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sware |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Swear \Swear\, v. i. [imp. {Swore}, formerly {Sware}; p. p. {Sworn}; p. pr & vb n. {Swearing}.] [OE. swerien AS swerian akin to D. zweren OS swerian OHG. swerien G. schw["o]ren, Icel. sverja Sw sv["a]rja, Dan. sv[ae]rge, Icel. & Sw svara to answer, Dan. svare, Dan. & Sw svar an answer, Goth. swaran to swear, and perhaps to E. swarm. [root]177. Cf {Answer}.] 1. To affirm or utter a solemn declaration, with an appeal to God for the truth of what is affirmed; to make a promise, threat, or resolve on oath; also to affirm solemnly by some sacred object, or one regarded as sacred, as the Bible, the Koran, etc Ye shall swear by my name falsely. --Lev. xix. 12. I swear by all the Roman gods. --Shak. 2. (Law) To give evidence on oath; as to swear to the truth of a statement; he swore against the prisoner. 3. To make an appeal to God in an irreverant manner; to use the name of God or sacred things profanely; to call upon God in imprecation; to curse. [I] swore little; diced not above seven times a week. --Shak. {To swear by}, to place great confidence in a person or thing to trust implicitly as an authority. ``I simply meant to ask if you are one of those who swear by Lord Verulam.'' --Miss Edgeworth. {To swear off}, to make a solemn vow, or a serious resolution, to abstain from something as to swear off smoking. [Slang] From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Sware \Sware\, imp. of {Swear}. [Obs. or Poetic] Cophetua sware a royal oath. --Tennyson.
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