swelln.
/swɛl/, U.S. /swɛl/ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > swelling > [noun] > a swelling or protuberance
ampereOE
kernelc1000
wenc1000
knot?c1225
swella1250
bulchc1300
bunchc1325
bolninga1340
botcha1387
bouge1398
nodusa1400
oedemaa1400
wax-kernel14..
knobc1405
nodule?a1425
more?c1425
bunnyc1440
papa1450
knurc1460
waxing kernel?c1460
lump?a1500
waxen-kernel1500
bump1533
puff1538
tumour?1541
swelling1542
elevation1543
enlarging1562
knub1563
pimple1582
ganglion1583
button1584
phyma1585
emphysema?1587
flesh-pimple1587
oedem?a1591
burgeon1597
wartle1598
hurtle1599
pough1601
wart1603
extumescence1611
hulch1611
peppernel1613
affusion1615
extumescency1684
jog1715
knibloch1780
tumefaction1802
hunch1803
income1808
intumescence1822
gibber1853
tumescence1859
whetstone1886
tumidity1897
Osler's node1920
a1250 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Nero) (1952) 123 Auh drinc þeonne atterloðe. & drif ðene swel [?c1225 Cleo. swalm] aȝeanward urommard ðe heorte. þet is to siggen. þenc oðe attrie pinen ðet god suffrede oðe rode. & ðe swel schal setten.
a1400 Seuyn Sages (W.) 1566 He..usede sinne sodomighte. So long he pleiede with yong man, A swele in his membres cam than.
2.
a. The condition of being swollen, distended, or increased in bulk; swelling or protuberant form, bulge; concrete a protuberant part, protuberance.In technical use spec., e.g. the enlargement near the muzzle of a gun, the enlarged and thickened part of a gunstock, the entasis of a column.
ΘΠ
the world > space > extension in space > expansion or enlargement > [noun] > distension > swelling or swollenness
bolninga1340
bollingc1390
bossingc1440
tumour?1541
swelling1577
bulking1599
outswelling1611
swelth1631
turgescence1631
puffedness1648
intumescency1650
inturgescency1650
intumescence1656
obtumescence1657
bloatedness1660
tumefaction1666
turgescency1666
turgence1671
swell1683
tumidness1688
puffiness1699
tumidity1721
turgidity1732
inturgescence1755
tumescence1859
swollenness1902
the world > space > shape > unevenness > projection or prominence > protuberance or rounded projection > [noun]
bunching1398
struttingc1440
tuberosity?1541
swellnessa1582
bunchiness1594
extuberance1607
protuberance1653
protuberancy1654
tuberousness1681
swell1683
protruberance1746
bossiness1870
bulginess1883
pregnancy1950
the world > space > shape > unevenness > projection or prominence > protuberance or rounded projection > [noun] > a protuberance or protuberant part
busta1250
bouging1398
gibbosityc1400
embossingc1430
breasta1450
belly1591
tumour1601
extuberance1607
belly-piece1609
embossment1610
outswelling1611
extuberation1615
protuberation1615
swelling1615
extuberancy1634
popple1635
protuberance1635
emboss1644
extancy1644
bump1653
protuberancy1653
protuberating1667
swell1683
bulge1741
boss1791
bulging1828
protuberosity1860
tuber1888
1683 J. Reid Scots Gard'ner i. vi. 27 As for the rise or swell that walkes has which makes them Segmenta Circuli, grass or brick walkes may have for 30 foot broad 6 Inches rise.
1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Architecture II. 20 The swell or belly of the shaft.
1733 W. Ellis Chiltern & Vale Farming 45 Not being able to make their growing Progress, for want of Room in the Earth, for the Swell and Multiplicity of their several Stalks.
1736 Compl. Family-piece iii. 444 The [pigeons called] Crappers are valuable for their Swell.
1758 A. Reid tr. P. J. Macquer Elements Theory & Pract. Chym. I. 374 During the calcination of the Tin,..you perceive in several places a small swell of a certain matter which bursts.
1768 Woman of Honor II. 201 I think I see the hardly suppressed swell of face of one of those immortal geniuses.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. at Secure arms! Quit the butt with the left hand, and seize the firelock with it at the swell.
1822 J. M. Good Study Med. IV. 95 When pregnancy takes place, and the uterus enlarges, the breasts exhibit a correspondent increase of swell.
1831 J. Holland Treat. Manuf. Metal I. 73 The irregular swells and hollows on the surface of a casting.
1831 J. Holland Treat. Manuf. Metal I. 195 This bore is a piece of strong iron, ten or twelve inches in length: near to each end there is a knob or swell of steel.
1833 J. Holland Treat. Manuf. Metal II. 204 The shanks consist of tubes of brass covering iron rods, and screwed together at the swells.
1846 A. Marsh Father Darcy II. xix. 327 There was a slight swell in his chest—the hysterica passio of poor Lear rose..in his throat.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair xlv. 408 Pitt looked down..at his legs, which had not..much more symmetry or swell than the lean court sword which dangled by his side.
1849 E. A. Freeman Hist. Archit. v. 88 Ornamental balusters with a single swell are found.
1876 Encycl. Brit. IV. 490/1 If a column be intended to have a swell in the middle.
b. figurative. Increase in amount. rare. ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [noun] > an increase
eke894
increasec1384
eking1393
augmentationc1452
superexcrescence1479
access1548
accrue1548
accession1551
increasement1561
ekementa1603
afflux1603
accruement1607
increment1631
rise1654
plusa1721
raise1729
swell1768
gain1851
step-up1922
upcurve1928
build-up1943
1768 Woman of Honor III. 227 His plan of concealing the enormous swell of his fortune.
1842 A. Alison Hist. Europe from French Revol. X. lxxviii. 1009 The augmentation of wealth, the swell of pauperism.
3. figurative.1798 W. S. Landor Gebir iv. 33 Such ebbs of doubt, and swells of jealousy.1871 J. Morley Carlyle in Crit. Misc. (1878) 1st Ser. 175 The full swell and tide and energy of genius.
a. The rising or heaving of the sea or other body of water in a succession of long rolling waves, as after a storm; concrete such a wave, or, more usually, such waves collectively. (See also groundswell n.) Also spec. in Meteorology and Oceanography, wave movement persisting after the wind causing it has dropped, or due to disturbance at a distance. Contrasted with sea n. 5d.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > state of sea > [noun] > swell
surge1567
sea-gate1583
swella1616
running1622
groundswell1818
backwater1838
after-roll1858
wallow1868
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > wave > movement of waves > [noun] > movement persisting after cause
swell1930
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) iii. ii. 49 The Swannes downe feather That stands vpon the Swell at the full of Tide: And neither way inclines. View more context for this quotation
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World ii. 170 Fenc'd no where from the least Surge or Swell of the Water.
1727 A. Hamilton New Acct. E. Indies II. xlii. 114 There being nothing to keep the great Swell of rolling Seas off them.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. iii. 139 A most excellent harbour..for its security against all winds and swells.
1805 H. K. White Let. Apr. in Remains (1807) I. 155 Some tremendous swells, which we weathered admirably.
1808 Z. M. Pike Acct. Exped. Sources Mississippi (1810) 21 My boat ploughed the swells, sometimes almost bow under.
1833 H. Martineau Cinnamon & Pearls i. 13 Old Gomgode's flat-bottomed fishing~boat..was pitching in the rising swell.
1865 F. Parkman Huguenots ii, in Pioneers of France in New World 26 Their water-casks..rocking on the long swells of subsiding gales.
1930 Meteorol. Gloss. (Meteorol. Office) (ed. 2) 188 Swell is wave motion in the ocean persisting after the originating cause of the wave motion has ceased or passed away.
1957 Encycl. Brit. XXIII. 442 a/1 When wind-raised waves travel out of a storm area they advance as ‘swell’, and after having travelled large distances become a series of long, low and fairly regular undulations.
1977 Offshore Engineer July 35/1 In August 1975, the LWC began by using graphical methods to produce sea-swell forecast charts, combining ‘sea’, or wind-driven waves and ‘swell’, which is persistent wave movement continuing after the wind has dropped.
b. The rising of a river above its ordinary level. ? Obsolete.
ΘΠ
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > change in level of water > [noun] > rise in level of water > of river
swell1759
1759 Ann. Reg. 1758 46/2 The swell of the river had rendered all relief impossible.
1760 Ann. Reg., Hist. War 38/2 Notwithstanding..the great swell of the waters..he passed the Rhine.
1770 Ann. Reg. 1769 25/2 A sudden and extraordinary swell of the..Niester..totally destroyed the bridge.
1796 J. Morse Amer. Universal Geogr. (new ed.) I. 176 Rapids; which..with a swell of two or three feet, become very passable for boats.
1814 H. M. Brackenridge Views Louisiana i. iv. 48 The annual swell, which is early in the spring of the year, raises the water fifty or sixty feet.
4.
a. A piece of land rising gradually and evenly above the general level; a hill, eminence, or upland with a smooth rounded outline and broad in proportion to its height; a rising ground. Also, a similar feature on the sea bed; a relatively elevated part of a lithospheric plate.Originally with qualifying phrase, e.g. swell of ground.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > landscape > high land > rising ground or eminence > [noun]
link931
rise1240
motea1300
bentc1405
mote-hill1475
territory1477
height1487
rising1548
raising1572
linch1591
mount1591
swelling1630
up1637
vertex1641
advance1655
ascendant1655
eminency1662
ascent1663
eminence1670
swell1764
elevation1799
embreastment1799
upwith1819
lift1825
salita1910
turtle-back1913
upwarp1917
upslope1920
whaleback1928
the world > the earth > water > sea or ocean > region of sea or ocean > [noun] > sea bed > relatively elevated part
swell1963
1764 R. Dodsley Leasowes in W. Shenstone Wks. (1777) II. 308 A swell of waste furzy land, diversified with a cottage, and a road.
1787 A. Young Jrnl. 4 June in Trav. France (1792) i. 14 The swells margined with wood.
1808 Z. M. Pike Acct. Exped. Sources Mississippi (1810) ii. 135 The prairie rising and falling in regular swells, as far as the sight can extend.
1817 W. Scott Rob Roy II. xiv. 315 A[n]..uninterrupted swell of moorland.
1825 H. W. Longfellow Burial Minnisink 1 On sunny slope and beechen swell.
1869 F. Parkman Discov. Great West xxv. 337 The grassy swells were spangled with the bright flowers for which Texas is renowned.
1908 H. R. Haggard Ghost Kings v. 55 Following a game-path through the dew-drenched grass which grew upon the swells and valleys of the veld.
1963 G. L. Pickard Descriptive Physical Oceanogr. ii. 10 The characteristic features [of the deep-sea bottom] are..either basically long and narrow..or of roughly equal lateral extent (swells and basins).
1971 Nature 30 Apr. 555/1 Many areas such as Kenya mark igneous provinces of characteristic per-alkaline magma..which are up~swollen portions (‘swells’) of the African plate some 1,000 km across.
b. Coal Mining. (See quots.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > mineral deposits > features of stratum or vein > [noun] > rise or bulge in roof or floor
skew1789
roll1849
swell1855
hogback1867
horseback1881
1855 J. Phillips Man. Geol. 193 [The seam] is..cut into ‘swills’ [sic] or ‘horse backs’, which rise up from the floor.
1882 A. Geikie Text-bk. Geol. (1885) 467 The stratification of the later accumulation will end off abruptly against the flanks of the older ridge, which will appear to rise up through the overlying bed. Appearances of this kind are not uncommon in coal-fields, where they are known to the miners as ‘rolls’, ‘swells’, or ‘horses' backs’.
1883 W. S. Gresley Gloss. Terms Coal Mining Swell, a kind of fault. See Horses.
1883 W. S. Gresley Gloss. Terms Coal Mining Horses or Horsebacks, natural channels cut, or washed away by water, in a coal seam, and filled up with shale and sandstone.
5.
a. Of sound, esp. musical sound: Gradual increase in loudness or force; hence, a sound or succession of sounds gradually increasing in volume, or coming upon the ear more and more clearly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > loudness > [noun] > increase of
swell1803
swelling1818
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > volume > [noun] > increase in volume
rinforzando1775
crescendo1776
sforzato1786
swell1803
sforzando1849
1803 W. Scott Gray Brother in Minstrelsy Sc. Border (ed. 2) III. iii. 410 The heavy knell, the choir's faint swell, Came slowly down the wind.
1822 Q. Mus. Mag. 4 35 The swell, or gradual increase of sound, is produced by opening the door of the box in which this part of the organ is inclosed.
1839 T. Moore Alciphron iii. 121 There came A swell of harmony as grand As e'er was born of voice and hand.
1842 Ld. Tennyson May Queen (new ed.) Concl. viii, in Poems (new ed.) I. 171 And up the valley came a swell of music on the wind.
a1843 R. Southey Common-place Bk. (1851) 4th Ser. 434/2 In beating the drum there is the roll, the swell, the flam, and the ruffle.
1894 H. Caine Manxman vi. xii As Philip lay alone the soar and swell of the psalm filled the room.
b. spec. in Music. A gradual increase of force (crescendo) followed by a gradual decrease (diminuendo), in singing or playing; hence, a character composed of the crescendo and diminuendo marks together, denoting this: < >.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > volume > [noun] > increase or decrease
swell1757
society > leisure > the arts > music > written or printed music > notation > [noun] > crescendo or diminuendo signs
swell1757
wedge1893
1757 S. Foote Author Epil. Divine Mingotti! what a Swell has she!
1833 J. Rush Philos. Human Voice (ed. 2) 259 A gradual strengthening and subsequent reduction of the voice, similar to what is called a swell in the language of musical expression.
1848 E. F. Rimbault First Bk. Pianoforte 65.
6. A contrivance for gradually varying the force of the tone in an organ or harmonium (also in the harpsichord and some early pianos), consisting of a shutter, a lid, or (now usually) a series of slats like those of a Venetian blind, which can be opened or shut at pleasure by means of a pedal or (in the harmonium) a knee-lever. Also short for swell-box, swell keyboard, or swell organ (see below).Used attributively in names of apparatus connected with or actuating the swell, as swell-coupler, swell keyboard, swell manual, swell pedal; swell-box, the box or chamber, containing a set of pipes or reeds, which is opened and closed by the swell in an organ or harmonium; swell organ, the set of pipes enclosed in this, forming one of the partial organs which make up a large organ.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > keyboard instrument > [noun] > device for varying force of tone
swell1774
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > keyboard instrument > organ > [noun] > swell or swell-box
swell1774
door-swell1852
roof swell1852
Venetian swell1852
wind-swell1852
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical instrument > keyboard instrument > organ > [noun] > partial organ > specific
choir organ1606
chair-organ1636
swelling organ1712
swell1822
pedal organ1829
great1833
solo organ1843
récit1851
1774 D. Barrington in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 63 271 The insipidity of the upper part of the flute stop of an organ, which hath not the modern improvement of a swell.
1774 Brit. Patent 1092 (1856) 1 My new-constructed principle of putting on the quills to strike the strings of a harpsichord with a peddle and swell.
1786 T. Busby Compl. Dict. Music (at cited word) A certain quantity of pipes inclosed in a large wooden case called the Swell Box.
1822 Q. Mus. Mag. 4 35 Three..distinct sound-boards; the great organ, the choir organ, and the swell.
1865 Chambers's Encycl. VII. 111/1 Above the choir-organ is the swell-organ, whose pipes are enclosed in a wooden box with a front of louvre~boards like venetian blinds.
1869 Eng. Mech. 31 Dec. 386/1 The swell box..covers the top of the reed chest or ‘pan’.
1876 J. Stainer & W. A. Barrett Dict. Musical Terms 338/2 In 1712, Abraham Jordan invented the ‘Nag's-head swell’, as it was afterwards termed. It consisted of an echo organ, having, instead of a fixed front, a moveable shutter working up and down in a window sash.
1881 W. E. Dickson Pract. Organ-building xii. 151 To give promptness to the return of the swell-pedal..by attaching a strong spiral spring to the pedal.
1881 W. E. Dickson Pract. Organ-building xii. 155 The simplest form of swell-coupler.
1883 A. J. Hipkins in Grove Dict. Music III. 489 The Potsdam harpsichords were made with Shudi's Venetian Swell.
1889 Sir J. Stainer in G. Grove Dict. Music IV. 8 The early swell~organs were of very limited compass... For many years the compass did not extend below tenor C..; but in all instruments with any pretension to completeness the Swell manual is made to CC, coextensive with the Great and Choir.
7. A lever in a loom (see quot. 1894).
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > [noun] > weaving > loom > other parts
studdlelOE
staff1338
trendle14..
trindle1483
cylinder?a1560
harness1572
mail1731
mounture1731
leaf1807
march1807
dropbox1823
neck-twine1827
mounting1835
shaft1839
Jack1848
selvage-protector1863
serpent1878
take-up motiona1884
swell1894
1894 T. W. Fox Mechanism Weaving xiii. 318 All looms are provided with curved levers called swells, which..serve the twofold purpose of protecting warp from being broken when a shuttle is in the shed, and also of stopping a shuttle from rebounding after entering a box.
8. The action or condition of swelling, in figurative senses.† c. Turgid or inflated style of language. Obsolete.
a. Of a feeling, emotion, etc. (cf. swell v. 7). Now rare or Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > [noun] > rising of emotion
rising (up) of one's or the heart?a1475
flushinga1680
swell1702
swelling1709
wave1851
upsurge1928
1702 R. Steele Funeral iv. 51 It Moderates the Swell of Joy that I am in, to think of your Difficulties.
1781 W. Cowper Charity 246 The swell of pity, not to be confin'd Within the scanty limits of the mind.
1822 C. Lamb in London Mag. Feb. 174/1 Of all the actors who flourished in my time..Bensley had most of the swell of soul, was greatest in the delivery of heroic conceptions, the emotions consequent upon the presentment of a great idea to the fancy.
b. Proud or arrogant, or (in later use) pompous or pretentious air or behaviour; (a piece of) swagger. to cut a swell, to ‘cut a dash’, swagger. (Cf. swell v. 9, 10) ? Obsolete.
ΘΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > [noun] > proud behaviour
swell1724
the mind > emotion > pride > pomposity > [noun]
pompositya1538
ventosity?1545
pontificality1600
bigness1634
fast1673
swell1724
bumbledom1847
highfalutin1847
highfalutination1858
pompousness1870
largeness1887
falutin1921
hugaboo1930
stuffed-shirtedness1981
fantasia-
the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > [noun]
boast1297
strut1303
bombancec1325
bobantc1330
bobancec1380
ambitionc1384
oliprancec1390
pretence?a1439
ostentationa1475
pransawtea1500
bravity1546
finesse1549
bravery1573
overlashing1579
brave1596
peacockry1596
garishness1598
maggot ostentation1598
ostent1609
flaunta1625
spectability1637
vantation1637
fastuousness1649
fastuosity1656
finery1656
parade1656
phantastry1656
ostentatiousness1658
éclat1704
pretension1706
braw1724
swell1724
showiness1730
ostensibility1775
fanfaronade1784
display1816
showing off1822
glimmer1827
tigerism1836
peacockery1844
show-off1846
flare1847
peacockism1854
swank1854
tigerishness1869
flashness1888
flamboyance1891
peacockishness1892
flamboyancy1896
swankiness1920
plushness1949
glitziness1982
fantasia-
fantastication-
1724 Briton No. 28. 123 There is such a Swell and Insolence in most of those who can maintain any Degree of Mastery.
1751 S. Johnson Rambler No. 179. ⁋4 The softness of foppery, the swell of insolence, the liveliness of levity.
1800 in Spirit of Public Jrnls. (1801) 4 61 To see our young lords and our young gentlemen ‘cutting a swell’, as the fashionable phrase is.
1823 in Spirit of Public Jrnls. IV. 232 The trio, having been to the play, agreed to call in at Smith's, by way of a swell, to get sixpennyworth of oysters each.
1861 H. Bushnell Christian Nurture ii. i. 222 They..practice it in shows, and swells, and all the petty airs of foppery and brave assumption.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > ornateness > [noun] > inflated or bombastic style
inflation1603
windinessa1613
ranting1633
tumoura1639
turgency1654
tympany1680
swell1744
turgidity1756
turgidness1757
tumidity1791
ráiméis1828
mouthiness1830
spread-eagleism1858
inflatedness1867
ampullosity1869
telegraphese1870
mouthing1876
Barnumese1889
intumescence1893
1744 E. Young Complaint: Night the Seventh 30 Pride, like the Delphic Priestess, with a Swell, Rav'd Nonsense, destin'd to be Future Sense.
1783 H. Blair Lect. Rhetoric I. xiii. 264 Sentences constructed with the Ciceronian fulness and swell.
1843 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 54 62 The air of pretence, the craving after effect, the swell.
9.
a. colloquial, originally slang. A fashionably or stylishly dressed person; hence, a person of good social position, a highly distinguished person.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > fashionableness > [noun] > smart person
a man of (the first) feather1592
pink1602
smart1709
flasher1755
swell1786
dasher1807
smarty1847
city slicker1914
Roy1960
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > fame or renown > famous or eminent person > [noun]
kingeOE
master-spiritc1175
douzepersc1330
sire1362
worthya1375
lantern1382
sira1400
greatc1400
noblec1400
persona1425
lightc1425
magnate?a1439
worthyman1439
personagec1460
giant1535
honourablec1540
triedc1540
magnifico1573
ornament1573
signor1583
hero1592
grandee1604
prominent1608
name1611
magnificent1612
choice spirita1616
illustricity1637
luminary1692
lion1715
swell1786
notable1796
top-sawyer1826
star1829
celebrity1831
notability1832
notoriety1841
mighty1853
tycoon1861
reputation1870
public figure1871
star turn1885
headliner1896
front-pager1899
legend1899
celeb1907
big name1909
big-timer1917
Hall of Famer1948
megastar1969
society > society and the community > social class > nobility > aristocracy or upper class > gentry > [noun] > toff or swell
nob1676
swell1786
toff1851
silver-tail1898
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > specific classes of common people > fashionable society > [noun] > member of > male
gallant1388
wamfler15..
rutter1506
younkera1522
fine gentleman1575
cavalier1589
whisker1595
jinglespur1604
bravery1616
brisk1621
chevalier1630
man about town1647
man of mode1676
man of distinction1699
sprag1707
sparky1756
blood1763
swell1786
Corinthian1819
galliard1828
mondain1833
toff1851
flâneur1854
Johnny1883
silver-tail1898
knut1911
lounge lizard1918
old buster1919
Hooray Henry1959
1786 Sessions Papers 13 Dec. 92/2 Here is a swell a coming. What is the meaning of that?—I do not know what meaning they give to it, without it is a gentleman.
1804 Times 25 Feb. A number of young gentlemen, on the King's establishment, have lately been dismissed on account of their having formed an expensive club, under the title of the Swell!]
1811 Lexicon Balatronicum Cadge the swells, beg of the gentlemen.
1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. 216 Swell, a gentleman; but any well-dressed person is emphatically termed a swell, or a rank swell.
1819 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 4 566 The third was one than whom no heavier swell Thy groaning pavement, Street of Princes, vext.
1836 F. Marryat Mr. Midshipman Easy II. ii. 56 I never was a gentleman—only a swell.
1838 J. Blackwood in Mrs. G. Porter Ann. Publishing Ho. (1898) III. 11 The Baron is a most capital fellow, and a very big swell; he is chamberlain to the King of Prussia.
1861 T. Hughes Tom Brown at Oxf. I. i. 14 Pictures of old swells, bishops and lords chiefly.
1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ Valerie's Fate i The girls were no end of swells, such lovely sable trimmings to their jackets!
1892 Law Times 93 459/2 The plaintiff stated that the defendant was one of the greatest swells in the City..and had often readily paid £20 or £30.
b. transferred. One who is distinguished or eminent in achievement; one who is very clever or good at something.
ΘΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [noun] > excellent person
gemc1275
blooma1300
excellence1447
mirrorc1450
man of mena1470
treasure?1545
paragon1548
shining light1563
Apollo's swan?1592
man of wax1597
rara avis1607
Titan1611
choice spirita1616
excellency1725
inestimable1728
inimitable1751
cock of the walk1781
surpasser1805
shiner1810
swell1816
trump1819
tip-topper1822
star1829
beauty1832
soarer1895
trumph1895
pansy1899
Renaissance man1906
exemplum virtutis1914
museum piece1920
superman1925
flyer1930
pistol1935
all-star1949
1816 T. Moore Epist. from Tom Cribb 23 Having floor'd, by good luck, the first swell of the age, Having conquer'd the prime one, that mill'd us all round.
1846 T. De Quincey Syst. Heavens in Tait's Edinb. Mag. Sept. 568/2 To insinuate the possibility of an error against so great a swell as Immanuel Kant.
1879 E. K. Bates Egyptian Bonds I. viii. 180 I know you are a swell at that sort of thing.
1886 ‘Ouida’ House Party (1887) v. 82 Russians are tremendous swells at palaver,..gammon you no end.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1919; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
swelladj.
colloquial. Now chiefly U.S.
That is, or has the character or style of, a ‘swell’; befitting a ‘swell’.
a. Of persons: Stylishly or handsomely dressed or equipped; of good (social) position; of distinguished appearance or status. More recently, in weakened use as a general expression of approval.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > fashionableness > [adjective] > smart
gallantc1420
galliard1513
fine1526
trickly1580
pink1598
genteel1601
sparkful1605
sparkish1657
jaunty1662
spankinga1666
shanty1685
trig1725
smartish1738
distinguished1748
nobby1788
dashing1801
vaudy1805
swell1810
distingué1813
dashy1822
nutty1823
chic1832
slicked1836
flash1838
rakish1840
spiffy1853
smart1860
sassy1861
classy1870
spiffing1872
toffish1873
tony1877
swish1879
hep1899
toffy1901
hip1904
toppy1905
in1906
floozy1911
swank1913
jazz1917
ritzy1919
smooth1920
snappy1925
snazzy1931
groovy1937
what ho1937
gussy1940
criss1954
high camp1954
sprauncy1957
James Bondish1966
James Bond1967
schmick1972
designer1978
atas1993
as fine as fivepence-
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective]
faireOE
bremea1000
goodlyOE
goodfulc1275
noblec1300
pricec1300
specialc1325
gentlec1330
fine?c1335
singulara1340
thrivena1350
thriven and throa1350
gaya1375
properc1380
before-passinga1382
daintiful1393
principala1398
gradelya1400
burlyc1400
daintyc1400
thrivingc1400
voundec1400
virtuousc1425
hathelc1440
curiousc1475
singlerc1500
beautiful1502
rare?a1534
gallant1539
eximious1547
jolly1548
egregious?c1550
jellyc1560
goodlike1562
brawc1565
of worth1576
brave?1577
surprising1580
finger-licking1584
admirablea1586
excellinga1586
ambrosial1598
sublimated1603
excellent1604
valiant1604
fabulous1609
pure1609
starryc1610
topgallant1613
lovely1614
soaringa1616
twanging1616
preclarent1623
primea1637
prestantious1638
splendid1644
sterling1647
licking1648
spankinga1666
rattling1690
tearing1693
famous1695
capital1713
yrare1737
pure and —1742
daisy1757
immense1762
elegant1764
super-extra1774
trimming1778
grand1781
gallows1789
budgeree1793
crack1793
dandy1794
first rate1799
smick-smack1802
severe1805
neat1806
swell1810
stamming1814
divine1818
great1818
slap-up1823
slapping1825
high-grade1826
supernacular1828
heavenly1831
jam-up1832
slick1833
rip-roaring1834
boss1836
lummy1838
flash1840
slap1840
tall1840
high-graded1841
awful1843
way up1843
exalting1844
hot1845
ripsnorting1846
clipping1848
stupendous1848
stunning1849
raving1850
shrewd1851
jammy1853
slashing1854
rip-staving1856
ripping1858
screaming1859
up to dick1863
nifty1865
premier cru1866
slap-bang1866
clinking1868
marvellous1868
rorty1868
terrific1871
spiffing1872
all wool and a yard wide1882
gorgeous1883
nailing1883
stellar1883
gaudy1884
fizzing1885
réussi1885
ding-dong1887
jim-dandy1888
extra-special1889
yum-yum1890
out of sight1891
outasight1893
smooth1893
corking1895
large1895
super1895
hot dog1896
to die for1898
yummy1899
deevy1900
peachy1900
hi1901
v.g.1901
v.h.c.1901
divvy1903
doozy1903
game ball1905
goodo1905
bosker1906
crackerjack1910
smashinga1911
jake1914
keen1914
posh1914
bobby-dazzling1915
juicy1916
pie on1916
jakeloo1919
snodger1919
whizz-bang1920
wicked1920
four-star1921
wow1921
Rolls-Royce1922
whizz-bang1922
wizard1922
barry1923
nummy1923
ripe1923
shrieking1926
crazy1927
righteous1930
marvy1932
cool1933
plenty1933
brahmaa1935
smoking1934
solid1935
mellow1936
groovy1937
tough1937
bottler1938
fantastic1938
readyc1938
ridge1938
super-duper1938
extraordinaire1940
rumpty1940
sharp1940
dodger1941
grouse1941
perfecto1941
pipperoo1945
real gone1946
bosting1947
supersonic1947
whizzo1948
neato1951
peachy-keen1951
ridgey-dite1953
ridgy-didge1953
top1953
whizzing1953
badass1955
wild1955
belting1956
magic1956
bitching1957
swinging1958
ridiculous1959
a treat1959
fab1961
bad-assed1962
uptight1962
diggish1963
cracker1964
marv1964
radical1964
bakgat1965
unreal1965
pearly1966
together1968
safe1970
bad1971
brilliant1971
fabby1971
schmick1972
butt-kicking1973
ripper1973
Tiffany1973
bodacious1976
rad1976
kif1978
awesome1979
death1979
killer1979
fly1980
shiok1980
stonking1980
brill1981
dope1981
to die1982
mint1982
epic1983
kicking1983
fabbo1984
mega1985
ill1986
posho1989
pukka1991
lovely jubbly1992
awesomesauce2001
nang2002
bess2006
amazeballs2009
boasty2009
daebak2009
beaut2013
society > society and the community > social class > nobility > aristocracy or upper class > [adjective] > having good social position
goodOE
conditioned1632
visitable1765
swell1810
well-placed1814
silver-tail1898
quite1907
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > specific classes of common people > fashionable society > [adjective] > (characteristic of) member of
swell1810
swellish1820
1810 in Spirit of Public Jrnls. (1812) XV. 29 My great swell pris'ner and his pal are flown!
1823 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto XI xix. 112 So prime, so swell, so nutty, and so knowing.
1826 Sporting Mag. 18 279 The two very swell coachmen who drove them out of London.
1845 B. Disraeli Sybil III. vi. viii. 233 Why are we not to interfere with politics as much as the swell ladies in London?
a1876 M. Collins Pen Sketches (1879) I. 113 How ‘swell’ they are! how carefully-gloved and glossily-hatted.
1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Colonial Reformer (1891) xiv. 147 A decent sort of fellow belonging to swell people.
1926 G. H. Maines & B. Grant Wise-crack Dict. 13/1 Swell dish, very beautiful girl.
1951 M. McLuhan Mech. Bride 60/2 He was a swell kid.
1977 I. Shaw Beggarman, Thief ii. iii. 141 That's great. She's swell, a real lady. What a difference between her and some of the dames we had to put up with on the boat.
b. Of things: Distinguished in style; stylish; first-rate, tip-top. Also similarly weakened: ‘great’, ‘fine’, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective] > very excellent or first-rate
gildenc1225
prime1402
rare1483
grand1542
holy1599
pre-excelling1600
paregal1602
classic1604
of (the) first rate1650
solary1651
first rate1674
superb1720
tip-top1722
tip-top-gallant1730
swell1819
topping1822
of the first (also finest, best, etc.) water1826
No. 11829
brag1836
A11837
A No. 11838
number one1839
awful1843
bully1851
first class1852
class1867
champion1880
too1881
tipping1887
alpha plus1898
bonzer1898
grade A1911
gold star1917
world-ranking1921
five-star1936
too much1937
first line1938
vintage1939
supercolossal1947
top1953
alpha1958
fantabulous1959
beauty1963
supercool1965
world-class1967
primo1973
1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. (at cited word) Any thing remarkable for its beauty or elegance, is called a swell article; so, a swell crib, is a genteel house.
1831 Lincoln Herald 21 Oct. p. iv/5 We had some slap-up and swell lingo against the church.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Pendennis (1850) I. iii. 29 A youth..appeared..in one of those costumes to which the public consent..has awarded the title of ‘Swell’.
1876 C. D. Warner Winter on Nile xii. 159 It is getting to be considered that cigars are more ‘swell’ than pipes.
1897 S. Crane Third Violet vii. 44 You don't look as if you had such a swell time.
1930 E. H. Lavine Third Degree xi. 128 The swell time he had with the swell broads in the swell musical comedy company.
1947 A. Miller All my Sons ii. 62 We're eating at the lake; we could have a swell time.
1952 S. Kauffmann Tightrope viii. 142 A play like this, with a swell part for her..all that may not come along again for five years.
1968 Amer. Speech 43 223 It was a swell date.
1978 J. Krantz Scruples iii. 77 All in all, a swell arrangement, and Spider learned a great deal during the year he was Levy's assistant.
c. swell mob n. a class of pickpockets who assumed the dress and manners of respectable people in order to escape detection. Hence swell-mobsman n. a man belonging to the swell mob. slang. Now Obsolete or Historical.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > thief > pickpocket or cutpurse > [noun] > pickpocket > gang or class of
swell mob1836
whizz-mob1929
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > thief > pickpocket or cutpurse > [noun] > pickpocket > gang or class of > member of
swell-mobsman1836
mobsman1843
1836 F. Marryat Mr. Midshipman Easy I. xii. 185 A man who has belonged to the swell mob is not easily repulsed.
1843 Sessions Papers 6 Jan. 38 I have heard..that the prisoner is a swell mob's man.
1843 Punch 4 129/1 The swell mob—they are there.
1846 W. S. Landor Imaginary Conversat. in Wks. II. 156/1 Making room for the swell-mob of authors to pass by.
1846 ‘Lord Chief Baron’ Swell's Night Guide (new ed.) p. iii The tophic blacklegs and swell mobsman, who can pluck a pigeon with the sang froid of a ripened friendship.
1851 H. Mayhew London Labour II. 369/1 Swell-mobsmen, and thieves, and housebreakers.
1886 J. K. Jerome Idle Thoughts i. 7 He enters..giving himself really the air of a member of the swell mob.
1886 D. C. Murray Cynic Fortune x When he had worn something of the air of a dandy—or, at the worst, of a successful swell-mobsman.
1904 Daily News 9 Nov. 2 He belonged to a gang of swell mobsmen who frequented the West-end.
1910 New Eng. Mag. July 587 A ‘swell mob’ is a gang of first-class pickpockets who can hire first-class legal talent and have good financial backing.
d. predicative. Most pleasant or kind; very effective; ‘splendid’. U.S.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective] > and splendid
wlonkOE
clear1362
wlonkfulc1400
royalc1425
imperial?1435
magnificousa1474
splendidious?a1475
triumphant1494
glorious1622
aureate1625
candid1648
splendid1653
magnifico1654
magnificent1664
dazzling1749
splendiferous1827
angeliferous1837
million-dollar1854
purple1894
colossal1895
(like) a million dollars (also bucks)1911
swell1926
1926 Scribner's Mag. Aug. 198/2 He also knew that the yeggs were not trained fur-thieves... ‘They were swell on safes, but a bum would have showed better judgment on furs.’
1931 H. Crane Let. 2 June (1965) 370 Moisés has been swell to me.
1942 P. G. Wodehouse Money in Bank ii. 15 You eat vegetables and breathe deep and dance around in circles. It's supposed to be swell for the soul.
1965 A. Lurie Nowhere City iv. xxi. 237 Yeah; that'd be really swell, if you would.
e. int. As an expression of satisfaction.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [interjection]
primea1637
à la bonne heure1750
shabash1843
all righty1877
fid1898
quaiss kitir1898
show1916
that's (also it's) the gear1925
swell1930
bakgat1969
solid1978
awesome1984
amazeballs2008
daebak2009
1930 D. Hammett Maltese Falcon xvii. 201 ‘She's full of gas and ready to go.’ ‘Swell.’
1935 P. G. Wodehouse Luck of Bodkins xxii. 289 ‘Swell,’ said Mabel, placing the document in her vanity-bag.
1976 Daily Record (Glasgow) 22 Nov. 10/3 My fellow Scot agreed that you could call it that. ‘Swell,’ said the reporter.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1919; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
swellv.
/swɛl/, U.S. /swɛl//ˈswəʊl(ə)n/, swelled. Forms: Old English swellan, (Middle English 3rd singular swelð), Middle English–1500s swelle, 1500s–1600s swel, (Middle English suell, 1500s Scottish swoll, 1800s Scottish swall, swaul), Middle English– swell. past tense Old English sweall, plural swullon, Middle English swal, Middle English swalle, plural swollen, 1500s–1600s, 1800s dialect swole, 1600s–1800s (archaic) swoll. β. Middle English swelde, (Scottish1500s swellit, swollit, swa'd), 1500s– swelled. past participle Old English -swollen, ( suollaen), Middle English–1600s swolne, (Middle English Scottish swolline, Middle English swollyn, 1500s swolen, swollne, solne, swone), 1500s–1800s swoln, Middle English– swollen; Middle English ( i-)swolle, Middle English y-swolle, suoll(e, swalle, 1800s dialect swole. β. Middle English i-sweld, 1500s swelde, 1500s–1600s sweld, swel'd, Middle English– swelled. 1.
a. intransitive. To become larger in bulk, increase in size (by pressure from within, as by absorption of moisture, or of material in the process of growth, by inflation with air or gas, etc.); to become distended or filled out; esp. to undergo abnormal or morbid increase of size, be affected with tumour as the result of infection or injury. Also with out, up.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > swelling > swell [verb (intransitive)]
swellOE
bell?c1225
boll1362
risea1398
blast1578
about1725
the world > space > extension in space > expansion or enlargement > expand or enlarge [verb (intransitive)] > distend > swell
swellOE
to-swellc1000
bolnec1325
pluma1398
bladderc1440
boldena1510
to bulk1551
hove1590
tympanize1607
outswell1612
tumefy1615
extuberate1623
heave1629
blister1644
puff1648
huff1656
intumesce1794
pluff1831
balloon1841
turgesce1864
tumesce1966
the world > space > extension in space > expansion or enlargement > expand or enlarge [verb (intransitive)] > distend > swell > swell up
rise1372
upswellc1386
lift1793
swell1837
OE Beowulf 2713 Ða sio wund ongon..swelan ond swellan.
c1000 Sax. Leechd. III. 86 Wið wunda ðe swellaþ.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 201 Se Lach wunde ne dred þu naut to sare. bute hit to swiðe swelle.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 9880 His wombe gon to swellen.
c1275 Sinners Beware 297 in Old Eng. Misc. 82 For hunger ich swal þar-vte.
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xix. 278 Shulde neuere mete ne mochel drynke Make hym to swelle.
c1386 G. Chaucer Pardoner's Prol. 26 If Cow or Calf or Sheepe or Oxe swelle That any worm hath ete or worm ystonge.
c1400 Laud Troy Bk. 4534 For tene his herte began to bollen, And bothe his chekes gret swollen.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur iv. xviii. 729 Whanne he had eten hit, he swalle soo tyl he brast.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Acts xxviii. 6 They wayted when he shulde have swolne or fallen doune deed sodently.
a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) II. 246 This serwand persaving the eird evir to ryve and to swoll quhair he stuid.
1614 S. Purchas Pilgrimage (ed. 2) i. ii. 11 Thus doth this Globe [sc. the earth] swell out to our vse, for which it enlargeth it selfe.
1799 R. Kirwan Geol. Ess. 284 Most probably then the pyrites swoll, uplifted the whole [etc.].
1833 N. Arnott Elements Physics (ed. 5) II. 86 When the liquid swells out into an air or gas.
1837 P. Keith Bot. Lexicon 37 The vessels become convoluted and swell up into a bunch.
1853 A. Soyer Pantropheon 304 They placed barley in water, and left it there until it swelled.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xxii. 159 His knee swelled, and he walked with great difficulty.
1877 J. S. Blackie Wise Men Greece 121 The solid ground did rock, and swoll and sobbed.
1898 R. Bridges Hymn Nat. iii Every flower-bud swelleth.
b. Of a body of water: To rise above the ordinary level, as a river, or the tide; to rise in waves, as the sea in or after a storm; to rise to the brim, well up, as a spring (also said of tears).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > change in level of water > [verb (intransitive)] > increase
swella1382
raise?a1425
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > wave > movement of waves > move restlessly about [verb (intransitive)] > swell
walma1300
redounda1382
swella1382
risea1400
grow1600
buoya1616
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. li. 15 I..am the Lord thi God, that disturbe the se, and swellen his flodis.
a1500 (?a1400) Sir Torrent of Portyngale (1887) l. 147 He swellyd ase dothe the see.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. ccvi. f. cxxvii He went vnto ye Thamys syde, and behelde howe the water Swelled or flowed.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde iii. i. f. 92v That south sea doth soo in maner boyle and swelle, that when it is at the hyghest it doth couer many greate rockes.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost iv. iii. 35 Do but beholde the teares that swell in me. View more context for this quotation
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. (1637) 286 Thus farre swelleth the Tamis with the accesse of the flowing tide.
1637 J. Milton Comus 25 The sea ore-fraught would swell.
1742 W. Shenstone School-mistress xiv Her sad Grief, which swells in either Eye.
1759 Ann. Reg. 1758 70/1 A prodigious surf swelled all along the shore.
1812 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Cantos I & II ii. xxvii. 74 As breezes rise and fall, and billows swell.
1813 J. Hogg Queen's Wake ii. xiii. 178 Where the river swa'd a living stream.
1817 S. T. Coleridge Biogr. Lit. 268 My eyes felt as if a tear were swelling into them.
1830 W. Taylor Hist. Surv. German Poetry III. 337 The waters rush'd, the waters swoll.
1850 G. Cupples Green Hand iii. 34/2 Now and then a bigger wave than ordinary would go swelling up.
1883 E. B. Tylor in Encycl. Brit. XV. 199/2 They can bring rain and make the rivers swell.
c. Expressing form (not movement or action): To be distended or protuberant; to be larger, higher, or thicker at a certain part; to rise gradually and smoothly above the general level, as a hill.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > landscape > high land > rising ground or eminence > rise [verb (intransitive)]
swell1679
to start up1802
the world > space > shape > unevenness > projection or prominence > protuberance or rounded projection > be or become protuberant [verb (intransitive)]
struta1300
bouge1398
embossc1430
bagc1440
bossc1449
bunch1495
bump1566
boin1567
protuberate1578
pagglea1592
bulch1611
extuberate1623
belly1627
heave1629
bulge1679
swell1679
bud1684
pod1806
bilge1849–52
sag1853
knucklec1862
poocha1903
1679 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. ix. 157 If the edge swell in any place, then plain off that swelling till it comply as aforesaid.
1791 W. Gilpin Remarks Forest Scenery I. 183 A varied surface—where the ground swells, and falls.
a1817 T. Dwight Trav. New-Eng. & N.-Y. (1821) II. 253 The surface here began to swell, and to be covered with oak, walnut, and chesnut.
1849 C. Kingsley N. Devon: Pt. I in Misc. (1860) II. 240 One long grey hill after another swelled up browner and browner before them.
1859 R. I. Murchison Siluria (new ed.) v. 101 This zone of..rock varies much in dimensions..it so swells out in the parishes of Church Preen and Kenley, that a considerable thickness of sandstone and conglomerate is there interposed.
1869 C. Boutell tr. J. P. Lacombe Arms & Armour iii. 44 Swelling with graceful curves in the middle of the blade.
2.
a. transitive (see also 3): To make larger in bulk, increase the size of, cause to expand; to enlarge morbidly, affect with tumour. Also with out, up.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > swelling > swell [verb (transitive)]
swella1400
the world > space > extension in space > expansion or enlargement > expand or enlarge [verb (transitive)] > distend > swell
swella1400
puffc1460
embossc1475
extend1481
heave1573
ball1593
tympanize1593
tumefy1597
hove1601
bladder1610
buzzlea1634
burly1635
inflatea1705
bumfle1832
a1400–50 Wars Alex. 4276 Haue we no cures of courte ne na cointe sewes Swanes ne na swete thing to swell oure wames.
1484 W. Caxton tr. Subtyl Historyes & Fables Esope ii. xx Men sayn comynly Swelle not thy self to thende that thow breste not.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Isa. xliv. C The Fyrre trees which he planted himself, and soch as the rayne hath swelled.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 13683 Fortune..Gers hym swolow a swete, þat swellis hym after.
1592 J. Lyly Midas iii. ii I am one of those whose tongues are swelde with silence.
1597 J. Donne Storm in Poems 21 Sweet, As to a stomack sterv'd, whose insides meete, Meate comes, it came; and swole our sailes.
1602 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor iii. v. 16 The water swelles a man: and what a thing should I haue bene when I had bene swelled?
1735 S. Johnson tr. J. Lobo Voy. Abyssinia 137 It..swell'd up my Arm, afflicting me with the most horrid Torture.
1791 Encycl. Brit. (Dublin ed.) V. 490/2 By swelling out its cheeks and gill covers to a large size.
1812 J. Wilson Isle of Palms iii. 121 Till the land-breeze her canvas wings shall swell.
1818 H. Parry Art of Bookbinding Swell, to make the back thicker by opening the foldings with the fingers.
1846 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) x. 89 The Major, straining with vindictiveness, and swelling every already swollen vein in his head.
1856 E. K. Kane Arctic Explor. II. xxv. 247 They were to be calked and swelled and launched and stowed, before we could venture to embark in them.
b. To cause (the sea, a river, etc.) to rise in waves, as the wind, or (more usually) above the ordinary level, as rain.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > change in level of water > [verb (transitive)] > cause to rise
swell1608
spate1853
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > wave > movement of waves > [verb (transitive)] > cause to swell
swell1608
embillow1625
inswella1774
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear viii. 5 [He] Bids the wind blow the earth into the sea, Or swell the curled waters boue the maine. View more context for this quotation
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ iii. iv. §6 The rain~water..doth..swell the Rivers which thereby run with greater force.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis xi, in tr. Virgil Wks. 556 What heaps of Trojans by this Hand were slain, And how the bloody Tyber swell'd the Main.
1709 T. Robinson Ess. Nat. Hist. Westmorland & Cumberland i. 10 These slow running Rivers do gradually swell up the Sea into such a gibbosity, as contributes to that annual Flux, or overflowing of Nilus.
1813 W. Scott Bridal of Triermain iii. v. 133 The upland showers had swoln the rills.
3.
a. In past participle swollen, less usually swelled, without implication of subject (in some cases possibly belonging to the intransitive sense): Increased in bulk, dilated, distended; affected with morbid enlargement or tumour.
ΚΠ
c700 Epinal Gloss. 1018 Tuber, tumor, suollaen.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 299 Men [with] bocches vnder þe chyn i-swolle and i-bolled as þey he were double chynned.
1422 J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. lviii. 227 Tho that haue ribbis bocchynge owtwardes like as they weryn y-swolle, bene yanglours.
c1480 (a1400) St. Machor 1596 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 46 Sume [men] throu ydropesy sa gret swolne þat þai ma ete no mete.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 582/1 Me thynke you have the tothe ake, for your cheke is swollen.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 54 In a dropcy the body..solne [printed solve] wyth yl humorys lyth idul.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) iv. iii. 152 Strangely visited people All swolne and Vlcerous. View more context for this quotation
1638 J. Milton Lycidas in Obsequies 23 in Justa Edouardo King The hungry sheep..swoln with wind.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 62 While yet the Head is green, or lightly swell'd With Milky-moisture. View more context for this quotation
1715 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 17 June (1965) I. 369 The next morning..my face was swell'd to a very extrordinary size.
1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest I. vii. 260 With eyes swoln with weeping.
1829 Chapters Physical Sci. 173 The stomach..by being swoln out or contracted [etc.].
1831 W. Scott Castle Dangerous ii, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. III. 240 His features were still swollen with displeasure.
1857 W. A. Miller Elements Chem. III. 98 It furnishes a coke which is much swollen, caked together, and possessed of a high lustre.
b. Of a body of water, esp. a river: see 1b, 2b.
ΚΠ
1588 T. Kyd tr. T. Tasso Housholders Philos. f. 2 The Ryuer..was swoln so high, as it farre surpast the wonted limmits.
1636 E. Dacres tr. N. Machiavel Disc. Livy I. 72 The Alban~lake being miraculously sweld.
1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives (1879) II. 673/1 A torrent swelled with sudden rains.
1810 Duke of Wellington Dispatches (1837) VII. 2 The rivulets were so much swelled yesterday that we could see nothing on their right.
1869 J. Phillips Vesuvius ii. 30 A mere brook occasionally swollen to a torrent.
c. Of a distended form, protuberant, bulging: see 1c.
ΚΠ
1708 J. Chamberlayne Magnæ Britanniæ Notitia (1710) ii. i. ii. 327 The Countrey is generally swell'd with Hills.
1796 W. Withering Arrangem. Brit. Plants (ed. 3) IV. 48 Plant pendent, cracked and swollen.
1875 Encycl. Brit. II. 441/2 Friezes, instead of being sculptured, are swollen.
?1877 F. E. Hulme Familiar Wild Flowers I. Summary p. vi Stems forking, swollen at the nodes, about three feet high.
4.
a. intransitive. To become greater in amount, volume, degree, intensity, or force: now only in immaterial sense (see also 6).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [verb (intransitive)]
forthwaxa900
wax971
growOE
risec1175
anhigh1340
upwax1340
creasec1380
increasec1380
accreasea1382
augmenta1400
greata1400
mountc1400
morec1425
upgrowc1430
to run up1447
swell?c1450
add1533
accresce1535
gross1548
to get (a) head1577
amount1583
bolla1586
accrue1586
improve1638
aggrandize1647
accumulate1757
raise1761
heighten1803
replenish1814
to turn up1974
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 4176 His sekenes began to suell.
1598 T. Bastard Chrestoleros v. iv. 107 Gæta from wooll and weauing first beganne, Swelling and swelling to a gentleman... At last..He swole to be a Lord: and then he burst.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) iii. i. 49 Cæsars Ambition, Which swell'd so much, that it did almost stretch The sides o'th'World. View more context for this quotation
1647 J. Howell New Vol. of Lett. 99 Divers reports for peace have swoln high for the time, but they suddenly fell low, and flat again.
1662 Bk. Common Prayer Pref. To make the number swell.
1776 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall I. vi. 144 The murmurs of the army swelled with impunity into seditious clamours.
1843 R. S. Surtees Handley Cross I. iv. 61 The names which at first amounted to fifty had swelled into a hundred and thirteen.
1862 D. T. Ansted & R. G. Latham Channel Islands iii. xvi. 379 The number, however, soon swoll.
1895 Times 10 Jan. 5/1 The ranks of the unemployed are..daily swelling.
b. Of a receptacle: To be filled to overflowing. poetic. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > presence > fact of taking up space > take up space [verb (intransitive)] > be or become full > to overflowing
overfloweOE
to run over1530
swim1548
burst1563
to set over1608
swellc1616
to brim over1858
c1616 R. C. Times' Whistle (1871) vii. 2974 The husbandman, if that his crops proove well, Hath his heart fild with joy 'cause his barnes swell.
1908 Blackwood's Mag. Oct. 538 There easier toil Brings to the swelling bin a more abundant spoil.
5.
a. transitive. To make greater in amount, degree, or intensity; to increase, add to. Also with out, up. (See also 6b.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [verb (transitive)]
echeOE
ekec1200
multiplya1275
morea1300
increase13..
vaunce1303
enlargec1380
augmenta1400
accrease1402
alargea1425
amply?a1425
great?1440
hainc1440
creasec1475
grow1481
amplea1500
to get upa1500
improve1509
ampliatea1513
auge1542
over1546
amplify1549
raise1583
grand1602
swell1602
magnoperate1610
greaten1613
accresce1626
aggrandize1638
majoratea1651
adauge1657
protend1659
reinforce1660
examplify1677
pluralize1750
to drive up1817
to whoop up1856
to jack up1884
upbuild1890
steepen1909
up1934
1602 J. Marston Antonios Reuenge iii. iii. sig. F2v And now swarte night, to swell thy hower out, Behold I spurt warme bloode in thy blacke eyes.
1653 W. Ramesey Astrologia Restaurata 173 It is not for me to insist on every particular in every house, for that would swell this Volume to a bulk as large again as it is.
a1771 T. Gray Ode in W. Mason Mem. Life & Writings (1775) 237 The simplest note that swells the gale.
1781 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall (1787) II. xxi. 261 The presence of the monarch swelled the importance of the debate.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. x. 558 The prince's party was now swollen by many adherents who had previously stood aloof from it.
1868 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest II. App. A. 518 The Winchester Annals swell out the story into a long romance.
1869 A. J. Evans Vashti xxvii. 361 The property left me by Mr. Evelyn swelled my estate to very unusual proportions.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People iv. §2. 169 The long peace and prosperity of the realm [etc.]..were swelling the ranks and incomes of the country gentry.
b. To fill (a receptacle) to overflowing. poetic. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > presence > fact of taking up space > take up (space or a place) [verb (transitive)] > fill > to overflowing
pilea1450
crown1595
swell1602
sphere1608
overflow1650
full (also to fill) to overflowing1797
1602 B. Jonson Poetaster iii. i. sig. D2v Swell mee a bowle with lustie wine. View more context for this quotation
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 110 The still distended Udders never fail; But when they seem exhausted swell the Pail. View more context for this quotation
c. past participle (sense 4a, sense 5a: cf. 3): Increased in amount or extent.
ΚΠ
1641 J. Jackson True Evangelical Temper iii. 230 A..great Commentatour upon holy Scripture; whose volumes are swelled to that proportion that they take up halfe a Classis in our publique Libraries.
1675 G. Harvey Dis. of London 296 This Treatise being swelled beyond my Intention.
1725 R. Wodrow Corr. (1843) III. 169 I have formed my first draught of Mr. Robert Bruce's Life, which is swelled very much.
d. To magnify; to exalt. Now rare or Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > majesty, glory, or grandeur > exaltation or glorification > exalt or glorify [verb (transitive)]
heavec825
higheOE
brightenOE
clarifya1340
glorifya1340
enhancec1374
stellifyc1384
biga1400
exalt?a1400
raisea1400
shrinea1400
to bear up?a1425
enhighc1440
erect?a1475
assumec1503
amount1523
dignifya1530
to set up1535
extol1545
enthronize1547
augment1567
sublimate?1567
sublime1568
assumptc1571
begoda1576
royalize1589
suscitate1598
swell1601
consecrate1605
realize1611
reara1616
sphere1615
ingreata1620
superexalta1626
soara1627
ascend1628
rise1628
embroider1629
apotheose1632
grandize1640
engreaten1641
engrandizea1652
mount1651
intronificate1653
magnificent1656
superposit1661
grandify1665
heroify1677
apotheosize1695
enthrone1699
aggrandize1702
pantheonize1801
hoist1814
princify1847
queen1880
heroize1887
1601 J. Marston et al. Iacke Drums Entertainm. i. sig. A4v After your decease your issue might swell out your name with pompe.
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) ii. iii. 128 Where great additions swell's [= swell us], and vertue none, It is a dropsied honour. View more context for this quotation]
1796 J. Morse Amer. Universal Geogr. (new ed.) II. 474 The emperor's titles are swelled with all the pomp of eastern magnificence.
1828 E. Bulwer-Lytton Pelham III. iv. 67 Those which we receive as trifles, swell themselves into a consequence we little dreamt of.
6.
a. intransitive. Of sound, esp. music: To increase in volume, become gradually louder or fuller; to come upon the ear with increasing clearness, or with alternate increase and diminution of force. Also of a musical instrument: To give forth a swelling sound or note.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > loudness > make a loud sound or noise [verb (intransitive)] > increase loudness
risea1450
swell1749
loudena1848
crescendo1900
lift1912
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > volume > [verb (intransitive)] > increase in volume
risea1450
swell1749
1749 T. Smollett Regicide iii. ii. 35 The Trumpet swells!
1769 T. Gray Ode at Installation Duke of Grafton 24 Choral warblings round him swell.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho II. ii. 37 A chorus of voices and instruments now swelled on the air.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Sir Galahad vii, in Poems (new ed.) II. 178 Thro' the mountain-walls A rolling organ-harmony Swells up.
1891 F. W. Farrar Darkness & Dawn I. xxiv. 233 Then the strain swelled louder.
b. transitive. To utter with increase of force, or with increasing volume of sound. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > manner of speaking > say in a particular manner [verb (transitive)] > utter loudly or angrily > with increasing volume
swell1775
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > quality of voice > impart specific tone or quality [verb (transitive)] > raise voice > utter with increasing volume
swell1775
1775 J. Steele Ess. Melody & Meas. Speech 47 That speech..which I..have noted in the stile of a ranting actor, swelled with forte and softened with piano.
1824 W. Irving Tales of Traveller I. 326 The choir swelling an anthem in that solemn building.
1833 J. Rush Philos. Human Voice (ed. 2) 203 But if the voice is swelled to a greater stress as it descends, the grave severity and dignified conviction of the speaker becomes at once conspicuous.
7. figurative. intransitive.
a. Of a feeling or emotion: To arise and grow in the mind with a sense as of distension or expansion.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > [verb (intransitive)] > rise up
swellc1386
risec1390
to well up1846
surge up1853
surface1945
the mind > emotion > [verb (intransitive)] > be affected by emotion > rising or swelling
swellc1386
c1386 G. Chaucer Wife of Bath's Tale 111 Hir thoughte it swal so soore aboute hir herte, That nedely som word hire moste asterte.
1421–2 T. Hoccleve Min. Poems 96/29 The grefe abowte my harte so sore swal..That nedes oute I muste there-with-all.
1608 W. Shakespeare Richard II iv. i. 288 The vnseene, Griefe that swelles with silence in the tortured soule.
1770 O. Goldsmith Deserted Village 82 Remembrance..Swells at my breast, and turns the past to pain.
1848 C. Dickens Dombey & Son liv. 537 Her purpose swelling in her breast.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. viii. 304 The spirit of Englishmen..swelled up high and strong against injustice.
1902 V. Jacob Sheep-stealers ix Something swelled up in his heart.
b. Of a person, the heart, etc.: To be affected with such an emotion; to have a mental sensation as of enlargement or expansion; to be puffed up, become elated or arrogant. Const. with (esp. pride, indignation, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > swelling or inflation with pride > swell with pride [verb (intransitive)]
bolnec1375
bellc1384
efflate1634
swell1868
14.. Gower's Conf. I. 54 Sche for anger þerof swal.
c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1883 Swelleth the brest of Arcite and the soore Encreesseth at his herte.
1576 G. Gascoigne Complaynt of Phylomene in Steele Glas sig. N.iij Malice made Hir venging hart to swell.
1627 T. May tr. Lucan Pharsalia (1631) viii. 335 He swell'd to see Varus a suppliant growne.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 93. ¶5 His Heart burns with Devotion, swells with Hope.
1797 A. Radcliffe Italian I. i. 29 Vivaldi's heart swelled at the mention of a rival.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair li. 461 Little Becky's soul swelled with pride and delight at these honours.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. iii. 323 His stout English heart swelled with indignation at the thought.
1868 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (1877) II. ix. 331 Events which may well make every English heart swell with pride.
8. transitive. To affect with such an emotion; to cause a sense of enlargement in; to puff up, inflate. Often in past participle (which may sometimes belong to the intransitive sense, 7b); const. with. (Also said of the emotion.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > swelling or inflation with pride > inflate with pride [verb (transitive)]
swellc1200
bolnea1340
inblowc1384
blow1388
embolne1430
puff1526
inflate1530
puft1563
tympanize1593
overleaven1604
bladder1610
hufflea1652
bloat1677
the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > quality of affecting the emotions > affect with emotion [verb (transitive)] > affect with rising or swelling emotion
swellc1200
c1200 Vices & Virtues 65 Scientia inflat, karitas edificat. He seið þat ðis scarpe iwitt swelð ðane mann, ðe hes haueð wiðuten charite.
14.. Langland's P. Pl. C. vii. 154 (MS. F.) Ȝit I spak no speche it swal so my breste, Þat I chewed it as a cowe.
a1450 Knt. de la Tour cx There be mani women that haue thayre hertys suolle fulle of pride.
1594 T. Kyd tr. R. Garnier Cornelia iii. iii. 211 Caesar, swolne with honors heate, Sits signiorizing in her seate.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. iii. 299 If it did..swell my thoughts to any straine of pride. View more context for this quotation
1602 J. Marston Antonios Reuenge v. i. sig. I2v The States of Venice are so swolne in hate Against the Duke.
1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης xi. 112 What other notions..could swell up Caligula to think himself a God?
c1685 J. Pomfret Cruelty & Lust 129 Swell'd with success, and blubber'd up with pride.
1741 I. Watts Improvem. Mind i. i. 10 You value, exalt and swell your self as tho' you were a Man of Learning already.
1752 D. Hume Ess. & Treat. (1777) I. 231 Their heart, swoln with the tenderest sympathy and compassion.
1830 C. C. F. Greville Mem. (1874) II. 65 Intoxicated with his Yorkshire honours, swollen with his own importance.
1891 T. Hardy Tess of the D'Urbervilles III. xl. 6 Inwardly swollen with a renewal of sentiments that he had not quite reckoned with.
9.
a. intransitive. To show proud or angry feeling in one's action or speech; to behave proudly, arrogantly, or overbearingly; to be ‘puffed up’; to look or talk big. Obsolete or archaic (partly merged in sense 10).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > anger > manifestation of anger > show anger [verb (intransitive)]
swella1250
bristle1549
kick1549
the mind > emotion > pride > be proud [verb (intransitive)] > behave proudly
swella1250
to make it stoutc1315
to bear oneself stout1338
bridlea1475
to make it prouda1500
strut1518
to set up one's bristles1529
strut?c1570
square1584
square1590
swagger1600
to take on1603
puff1633
fluster1698
to hold one's head high1707
crest1713
to set out the shin1719
straddle1802
a1250 Owl & Nightingale 7 Eyþer ayeyn oþer swal [v.r. sval], And let þat vuele mod vt al.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) 1 Cor. iv. 6 That one swell nott agaynst another.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) 1 Cor. iv. 18 Some swell as though I wolde come no more at you.
1553 T. Wilson Arte Rhetorique (1580) 130 When we heare one saie, sutche a man swelled, seyng a thyng against his minde, we gather that he was then more then halfe angrie.
1583 P. Stubbes Second Pt. Anat. Abuses sig. B3v Herod and Nabuchadnezer swelling in sinne, and rising vp against the maiestie of God.
1593 T. Nashe Christs Teares f. 40 The rich Cittizen swells against the pryde of the prodigall Courtier; the prodigal Courtier swels against the welth of the Cittizen.
1602 J. Marston Antonios Reuenge ii. iii. sig. D4v I will not swell like a Tragedian, in forced passion of affected straines.
1673 J. Milton Psalm LXXXIII in Poems (new ed.) 151 Thy furious foes now swell And storm outrageously.
a1704 T. Brown Praise Poverty in Wks. (1720) I. 104 Men..being obliged to discard imaginary Merit, would seek the real, wou'd swell no more on the borrow'd Greatness of Ancestors.
1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 79 Vex him then, and he shall swell and sputter like a roasted Apple.
b. Used in reference to turgid or inflated style of language.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > ornateness > use ornate language [verb (intransitive)] > be bombastic (of language)
swell1712
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 285. ¶6 He must not swell into a false Sublime, by endeavouring to avoid the other Extream.
10. To behave pompously or pretentiously, swagger; to play the ‘swell’. Also with it.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > pomposity > be pompous or behave pompously [verb (intransitive)]
pompc1450
to talk biga1616
overstate1639
swell1795
pontificate1818
the mind > emotion > pride > boasting or boastfulness > blustering or bravado > bluster [verb (intransitive)]
face1440
brace1447
ruffle1484
puff1490
to face (something) out with a card of ten?1499
to face with a card of ten?1499
cock1542
to brave it1549
roist1563
huff1598
swagger1600
ruff1602
tear1602
bouncec1626
to bravade the street1634
brustle1648
hector1661
roister1663
huffle1673
ding1679
fluster1698
bully1733
to bluster like bull-beef1785
swell1795
buck1880
swashbuckle1897
loudmouth1931
1795 ‘P. Pindar’ Pindariana 174 'Tis laughable to see a Frenchman swell.
1841 Punch 23 Oct. 178/2 Father Thames..has been ‘swelling it’..through some of the streets of the metropolis. As if to inculcate temperance, he walked himself down into public-house cellars, filling all the empty casks with water.
1863 Tyneside Songs 22 Two sots wi' eyes a' bleary, Doon Sangyet street did swell.
1885 W. D. Howells Rise Silas Lapham iv. 82 I couldn't have father swelling on so, without saying something.
1888 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Robbery under Arms xii While he was swelling it in the town among the big bugs.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1919; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
swelladv.
/swɛl/, U.S. /swɛl/ colloquial (now chiefly North American).
In a splendid manner; very well.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adverb] > and nobly or splendidly
micklelyeOE
highlyeOE
freelyOE
dearworthlyc1230
gloriously1393
dearworthilya1400
farrandlyc1400
stately?a1439
finely?1552
gallantly1552
goldenly1580
rarely1581
sightly1592
superbly1769
splendidly1774
splendiferously1841
swell1856
in there1944
1856 S. Butler Let. 22 Mar. (1962) 55 Snow did very badly in the History paper and is said to have lost two places by it; a very likely thing for his principal antagonist did awfully swell in it.
1921 E. O'Neill Diff'rent ii, in Emperor Jones 249 Gee, you've had this old place fixed up swell since I was to home last.
1938 C. Odets Golden Boy (new ed.) ii. i, in Famous Plays of 1938–9 (1939) 161 You looked very good in there, Joe. You're going swell and I like it.
1984 A. Lee Sarah Phillips (1985) 64 You and Daddy spend all of your lives..teaching us to live in a never-never land where people of all colors just get along swell.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1993; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
> see also
also refers to : swell-comb. form
<
n.a1250
adj.1810v.c700
adv.1856see also
- sharp-cone
- sharp-copped
- sharp-cornered
- sharp-cut
- sharp-eared
- sharp-edged
- sharp-elbowed
- sharp-eyed
- sharp-faced
- sharp-fanged
- sharp-fin
- sharp-grinded
- sharp-ground
- sharp-haired
- sharp-headed
- sharp-heeled
- sharp-herb
- sharp-iron
- sharp-keeled
- sharp-leaved
- sharp-looking
- sharp-nail
- sharp-nails
- sharp-nebbed
- sharp-new