swithen

Middle English

Etymology

From Old Norse sviðna (“to be burned”).

Verb

swithen (third-person singular simple present switheth, present participle swithinge, first-/third-person singular past indicative swoth, past participle swithen)

1. to burn, scorch, singe; (ppl. swithinge as adjective: parching, scorching)

   Swiþe min neeres, min hert, with wa. — Northern Verse Psalter, 1400

Descendants

• swidden

References

• Middle English Dictionary