swimmingn.
/ˈswɪmɪŋ/ The action of swim v.† 3. A watered pattern in a fabric. Obsolete. rare.figurative.1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης xxviii. 240 Upon a sudden qualm and swimming of thir conscience.
1. The action of moving along in the water by natural means of progression.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > moving with current of air or water > movement in or on water > [noun] > swimming
swimming1377
natation1623
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > water sports except racing > swimming > [noun]
swimming1638
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xii. 166 He þat neuere ne dyued ne nouȝt can of swymmynge.
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum xviii. xxix. [xxx.] (Bodl.) lf. 263 b/1 In swymmynge þe strenger [harts] swymmeþ bifore.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. ccxxxviii. f. clxv Swymmynge of fysshes, & fleynge of fowlys.
1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1903) II. iv. xiv. 99 Vthiris þat war crafty in swomyng war sa sare woundit..þat þai drownit in þe streme.
1638 W. Rawley tr. F. Bacon Hist. Nat. & Exper. Life & Death 269 Exercise within Cold water, as swimming, is very good.
1683 J. Reid Scots Gard'ner ii. ii. 73 The larger your pondes or Rivers be,..and the more moving by horse, geese and ducks their Sweeming, the sweeter it will be.
1771 T. Smollett Humphry Clinker II. 136 I love swimming as an exercise, and can enjoy it at all times of the tide.
1835 C. F. Partington Brit. Cycl. Arts & Sci. II. 803/2 In ordinary easy swimming, the hands are not used to propel, but merely to assist in keeping on the surface.
2.
a. The action of moving or floating on the surface of the water, as a ship.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > action or process of floating > [noun]
fleeting1489
floating1555
supernatation1623
swimming1719
flotation1806
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 115 The Fire so burn'd the upper Part, that it soon made them unfit for swimming in the Sea as Boats.
1827 M. Faraday Chem. Manip. ii. 63 When surrounded by the fluid its density was in some degree judged of by the sinking or swimming of the included bulb.
b. concrete. A thing which floats upon the surface.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > lightness > [noun] > rising due to lightness > buoyancy > that which is buoyant
swimmera1609
swimming1833
1833 J. C. Loudon Encycl. Cottage Archit. §1262 The swimmings, or light grains that are skimmed off in the cistern.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > variegation > iridescence > [noun] > moire
swimming1611
water1721
moiré1818
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [noun] > patterned > waved or watered > pattern
swimming1611
watering1647
water1721
watermark1893
water waving1894
1611 J. Florio Queen Anna's New World of Words Nuóta, a waue, a swimming as in damaske or chamblet.
4. A state of dizziness or giddiness; vertigo.Usually swimming of the head or brain.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > vertigo > [noun]
dizzinessc900
swimeOE
swinglingc1000
turningc1230
turngiddya1382
giddiness1398
turngiddiness1398
vertiginyc1400
turn-sick?c1450
swindling1527
vertigo1528
swimming1530
swindle1559
turnsickness1559
duseling1561
whirling1561
turn-sick giddiness1577
megrim1595
vertiginousness1599
whimsya1627
tiegoa1640
lightheadedness1645
swimmering1650
swim1817
swirling1825
swimminess1894
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 278/2 Swymyng in the hed, bestournement.
1556 J. Withals Short Dict. (new ed.) sig. Uiiij/2 Swimmyng in the head, vertigo.
1581 R. Mulcaster Positions xxi. 90 It is commended for a remedie against the swiming of the head.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. xxi. xxx. 111 It is good for the swimming and dizzinesse of the braine.
1684 W. Russell Physical Treat. 135 A Man of middle Age having..a Swimming in his Head.
1770 S. Foote Lame Lover ii. 46 A faintness, a kind of swimming.
1871 L. Stephen Playground of Europe (1894) xiii. 305 I could not look over a precipice without a swimming in the head.
5. An appearance as of something floating or wavering before the eyes.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > optical illusion > [noun] > an optical illusion > swimming before eyes
swimming1768
1768 H. Brooke Fool of Quality III. xiv. 61 My knees trembled... A swimming came before my eyes.
1771 T. Smollett Humphry Clinker I. 134 The continual swimming of those phantoms before my eyes, gave me a swimming of the head.
1833 L. Ritchie Wanderings by Loire 234 He was affected by a reeling of the brain and a swimming of the eyes.
Compounds
C1. General attributive.
a.
swimming-apparatus n.
ΚΠ
1875 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. Swimming-apparatus.., a float or dress to sustain a person in the water.
1900 B. D. Jackson Gloss. Bot. Terms Swimming-apparatus, in Azolla, three apical episporic spongy masses of tissue, surrounding a central conical body with an array of fine filaments (Campbell).
swimming-belt n.
ΚΠ
1856 ‘Stonehenge’ Man. Brit. Rural Sports 512/1 Various kinds of Apparatus have been recommended for sustaining the body, as cork-jackets, swimming-belts, bladders, &c.
swimming costume n.
ΚΠ
1904 R. Thomas Swimming (rev. ed.) 112 It is very difficult to get photographs of amateur ladies in swimming costume.
1962 F. C. Avis Swimming Dict. 95 Swimsuit, a superior or elegant swimming costume, with particular reference to the female bather.
1977 N. Slater Crossfire iii. 58 A twenty-nine-year-old married woman..who wore a bathing cap and a one-piece swimming costume.
swimming-fin n.
ΚΠ
1861 P. P. Carpenter in Rep. Smithsonian Inst. 1860 240 The animal has a broad swimming fin, armed with an operculum.
swimming flap n.
ΚΠ
1861 P. P. Carpenter in Rep. Smithsonian Inst. 1860 234 Aclesia is like Aplysia, without shell or swimming flaps.
swimming-foot n.
ΚΠ
1816 W. Kirby & W. Spence Introd. Entomol. (1818) II. xxii. 303 The envelope of the intermediate tarsi..is fringed on one side with hairs, to enable the insects to use them as swimming feet.
swimming-girdle n.
ΚΠ
1626 F. Bacon New Atlantis 42 Wee haue Shipps and Boates for Going under Water, and Brooking of Seas; Also Swimming-Girdles and Supporters.
1700 T. Brown Amusem. Serious & Comical x. 110 Under that Bulk was a Prejector clicking off his Swimming Girdles, to keep up Merchants Credits from sinking.
1835 C. F. Partington Brit. Cycl. Arts & Sci. II. 803/2 The swimming girdle, about five inches wide, is placed round the pupil's breast.
swimming-leg n.
ΚΠ
1871 C. Darwin Descent of Man I. ii. ix. 328 The males..alone are furnished with perfect swimming-legs.
swimming-organ n.
ΚΠ
1861 J. R. Greene Man. Animal Kingdom II. 115 The endodermal lining of the polypite passes into the central cavity of the swimming-organ.
swimming-paddle n.
ΚΠ
1895 Oracle Encycl. I. 567/2 The forelimbs, represented by swimming-paddles, are of small size.
swimming-paw n.
ΚΠ
1808 J. Fleming in Mem. Wernerian Nat. Hist. Soc. (1811) 1 134 There were two swimming-paws (if I may be allowed the expression), corresponding to the pectoral fins in fishes, situated in the forepart of the body [of the narwal] towards the under-side.
swimming-plate n.
ΚΠ
1840 E. Blyth et al. Cuvier's Animal Kingdom 417 The lateral swimming-pieces at the extremity of the tail..are thrown back at its sides... The six or four following legs terminate in a swimming-plate.
swimming stay n.
ΚΠ
1742 Daily Advertiser 18 May in Notes & Queries 10th Ser. X. 89 Swimming-Stays are made by the above Exchange-Keeper to the utmost Perfection.
swimming suit n.
ΚΠ
1926 E. Hemingway Sun also Rises ii. xix. 245 I found my swimming suit, wrapped it with a comb in a towel.
1971 ‘D. Halliday’ Dolly & Doctor Bird vi. 83 My swimming-suit, helmet and towel.
swimming trunks n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > clothing for legs > clothing for legs and lower body > [noun] > trousers > types of > (suitable) for specific purpose > for swimming or bathing
trunks1883
bathing-drawers1893
bathing trunks1895
bathing slips1904
Speedo1933
swimming trunks1943
bathers1945
cossie1958
baggies1962
jams1966
racer1969
1943 New Yorker 22 May 26/1 He was big, stalwart, and dressed only in swimming trunks.
1978 I. Murdoch Sea 70 Shall I come and bring my swimming trunks?
swimming-web n.
ΚΠ
1871 C. Darwin Descent of Man II. ii. xii. 24 The hind-feet are provided with a swimming web.
b.
swimming-bath n.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > water sports except racing > swimming > [noun] > swimming pool
swimming-bath1742
natatorium1832
piscina1832
swimming-pond1833
swimming pool1899
pool1906
above-ground pool1957
infinity pool1992
1742 Daily Advertiser 28 May in Notes & Queries 10th Ser. X. 89 The Pleasure or Swimming Bath, which is more than forty-three Feet in length.
1868 J. A. Symonds Let. 29 July (1967) I. 828 I went..to the Victoria Swimming Baths, as I occasionally do, to smoke my cigar & to learn the secrets of Form.
1892 H. Lane Differ. Rheum. Dis. (ed. 2) 103 The ladies' swimming bath at the New Royal Baths.
1982 Financial Times 9 Dec. 9/1 Proposals are being investigated for private sector school meals and cleaning, the running of swimming baths, [etc.].
swimming-place n.
ΚΠ
1591 R. Percyvall Bibliotheca Hispanica Dict. at Nadadero A swimming place.
swimming-pond n.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > water sports except racing > swimming > [noun] > swimming pool
swimming-bath1742
natatorium1832
piscina1832
swimming-pond1833
swimming pool1899
pool1906
above-ground pool1957
infinity pool1992
1833 J. C. Loudon Encycl. Cottage Archit. §1443 A garden containing a bowling-green, quoit-ground, cricket-ground, swimming-pond, and baths.
swimming-school n.
ΚΠ
1835 C. F. Partington Brit. Cycl. Arts & Sci. II. 803/2 Every swimming school ought to have a leaping tower.
C2.
swimming-bell n. a bell-shaped part or organ, as a nectocalyx, by which an animal propels itself through the water.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > animal body > general parts > [noun] > part for swimming or floating
air bladder1770
swimmer1816
float1832
swimming-bell1861
float-bladder1866
the world > animals > invertebrates > subkingdom Metazoa > grade Diploblastica > phylum Coelenterata > [noun] > class Hydrozoa > member of > swimming bell
nectocalyx1859
swimming-bell1861
1861 J. R. Greene Man. Animal Kingdom II. 27 The ‘nectocalyces’, or ‘swimming bells’, with which the hydrosoma may be provided.
swimming-bladder n. (a) the air-bladder of a fish, which enables it to keep its balance in swimming; (b) an inflated bladder to assist a person in swimming.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > fish > parts of fish > [noun] > air bladder or parts of
sound1323
swimmer1579
wind-bladder1594
rete1615
swim1638
air bladder1675
swimming-bladder1713
air duct1744
red body1785
swim-bladder1837
fish-maw1840
fish-sound1879
maw1883
red gland1896
the world > movement > progressive motion > moving with current of air or water > movement in or on water > [noun] > swimming > swimming equipment
bladder1623
paddle1823
scaphander1825
swimming-bladder1858
water wing1901
wing1908
nose clip1919
armband1927
flipper1945
fin1960
1713 W. Derham Physico-theol. i. i. 10 If the Swimming-Bladder of any Fish be pricked or broken, such a Fish sinks presently to the bottom.
1843 C. Holtzapffel Turning & Mech. Manip. I. 155 Isinglass..is prepared from the sound or swimming-bladder of the sturgeon.
1858 O. W. Holmes Autocrat of Breakfast-table ii. 42 Don't puncture their swimming-bladders;..don't break the ends of their brittle and unstable reputations.
swimming hole n. chiefly U.S. Australian, and New Zealand a bathing place in a stream or river.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > rivers and streams > system > [noun] > pool as part of
weelc897
poolOE
dub1535
linn1577
potc1650
waterhole1688
plumbc1780
swimming hole1867
black hole1869
water pit1881
swilly-hole1890
swim-hole1924
1867 G. W. Harris Sut Lovingood 25 He wer aimin fur the swimin hole in the krick.
1912 J. H. Moore Ethics & Educ. 128 The boy's love for the water, his affection for the old swimming-hole.
1928 ‘Brent of Bin Bin’ Up Country (1966) ii. 24 They..took her for bogeys in the swimming hole.
1975 D. Bagley Snow Tiger ii. 33 The bluff..projected into the river..and that was where they had their swimming hole.
swimming pool n. an artificial pool designed for swimming in.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > lake > pool > [noun] > for swimming
public bath1611
swimming pool1899
swim-pool1964
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > water sports except racing > swimming > [noun] > swimming pool
swimming-bath1742
natatorium1832
piscina1832
swimming-pond1833
swimming pool1899
pool1906
above-ground pool1957
infinity pool1992
1899 Scribner's Mag. Advertiser Jan. 26/2 You can enjoy..a plunge into the great marble swimming pool, where the water is tempered according to season.
1921 A. Huxley Crome Yellow iii. 19 The stone-brimmed swimming-pool.
1972 Punch 1 Mar. 266/3 Our goals are increasingly the same—a bigger car, an expense account, and a swimming~pool in every back garden.
swimming-tub n. Calico-printing etc. a tub of colours, with a floating layer of fabric, on which a block is laid to colour its surface.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > colouring > colouring matter > [noun] > dye > liquid in vat
floata1500
vat1755
bath1791
white bath1791
pastel-vat1838
swimming-tub1839
1839 A. Ure Dict. Arts 240 The swimming or colour-tub is usually double, and serves for two tables.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1919; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
swimmingadj.
/ˈswɪmɪŋ/ That swims, in various senses.† 3. Of the carriage of the body: Characterized by a smooth waving motion. Obsolete.
1.
a. Moving along in the water by natural means of progression; that habitually swims, as some birds and insects.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > moving with current of air or water > movement in or on water > [adjective] > moving freely on surface
swimmingc1000
flittingc1425
floating1600
natant1753
floateda1800
the world > movement > progressive motion > moving with current of air or water > movement in or on water > [adjective] > swimming
swimmingc1000
c1000 Ælfric Genesis i. 20 Teon nu þa wæteru forð swimmende cynn cucu on life.
c1050 Byrhtferth's Handboc in Anglia (1885) 8 310 He gescop eall wyrmcynn & creopende & fleogende & swymmende.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. i. 5 The water to norish the fysh swymand.
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xi. 117 Poore Tom, that eats the swimming frog. View more context for this quotation
1804 G. Shaw Gen. Zool. V. 463 Swimming Pegasus... Native of the Indian seas.
1859 Todd's Cycl. Anat. & Physiol. V. Index Swimming birds (Natatores).
1862 D. T. Ansted & R. G. Latham Channel Islands ii. ix. 232 The spider crab, and swimming or velvet crab, are also eaten.
b. figurative. Characterized by easy smooth motion or progress, as of a person swimming; free from obstruction or difficulty.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > [adjective] > not hindering or encumbering > not hindered or encumbered > operating or progressing easily
current1577
expedite1578
glib1594
facile1607
well-oiled1614
well-going1623
undisobliging1715
sweet1725
swimming1768
1768 H. Brooke Fool of Quality III. xiv. 46 During a swimming period of six years, I scarce remember to have experienced the smallest discontent.
1830 W. Cobbett Rural Rides in Weekly Polit. Reg. 17 Apr. 495 Emigration is going on at a swimming rate.
1854 H. Miller Schools & Schoolmasters (1857) xxii. 496 I..carried my election by a swimming majority.
c. Stock Market. (See quot. 1870.)
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > [adjective] > feeling or state of market
sensitive1813
bearish1827
light1827
quiet1833
easy1836
soft1849
weak1856
steady1857
buoyant1868
sick1870
swimming1870
featureless1879
bullish1882
firm1887
gravelly1887
technical1889
pippy1892
manipulated1903
thin1931
volatile1931
trendless1939
nervous1955
toppy1961
over-bullish1970
toppish1983
1870 J. K. Medbery Men & Myst. Wall St. 138 Swimming market—the opposite of a sick market. Everything is buoyant.
2. † c. figurative. Wavering, unsteady. Obsolete. rare.† d. figurative. Superficial, on the surface. Obsolete. rare.
a. Floating in the water; spec. in Botany (see quot. 1859).
ΚΠ
c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 60 Se swymmenda arc [= Noah's ark].
1548 W. Turner Names of Herbes sig. F.v Potamogeton..maye be named in englishe Pondplantayne, or swymmynge plantayne.
1597 J. Gerard Herball ii. 680 Of Duckes meate, and other swimming herbes.
1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 1 A Ship of War... It's the most admirable swimming Contrivance that ever Mortal Thought brought forth.
1793 T. Martyn Lang. Bot. sig. T4v Swimming or Floating leaf.
1859 J. S. Henslow Dict. Bot. Swimming, used vaguely for aquatics, which either float on the surface, or have their leaves floating. More restrictedly applied to aquatics which are wholly immersed, and also free from attachment to the bottom.
1870 tr. F. A. Pouchet Universe (1871) 42 The swimming fucus or sea-weed.
1879 J. Tyndall Fragm. Sci. (ed. 6) I. xiii. 374 When the pole of an ordinary magnet is brought to act upon the swimming needle [i.e. floating upon a liquid].
b. swimming stone n. a kind of stone so light as to float upon water; = float-stone n. 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > stone > [noun] > light stone
swimming stone1758
float-stone1805
1758 W. Borlase Nat. Hist. Cornwall 111 In a copper-mine..near Redruth, they have a stone which they call the Swimming-stone.
1841 Penny Cycl. XIX. 199/2 Cavernous quartz is termed Spongiform quartz or Swimming stone.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > changeableness > [adjective]
slidinga900
wankleeOE
windyc1000
unsteadfastc1200
fleeting?c1225
loose?c1225
brotelc1315
unstablec1340
varyingc1340
variantc1374
motleyc1380
ungroundedc1380
muablea1393
passiblea1393
remuablea1393
changeablea1398
movablea1398
variablec1397
slidderya1400
ticklec1400
variantc1412
flitting1413
mutable?a1425
movingc1425
flaskisable1430
flickering1430
transmutablec1430
vertible1447
brittlea1450
ficklea1450
permutablec1450
unfirmc1450
uncertain1477
turnable1483
unsteadfast1483
vagrantc1522
inconstant1526
alterable?1531
stirringc1540
slippery1548
various1552
slid?1553
mutala1561
rolling1561
weathery1563
unconstant1568
interchangeable1574
fluctuant1575
stayless1575
transitive1575
voluble1575
changeling1577
queasy1579
desultory1581
huff-puff1582
unstaid1586
vagrant1586
changeful1590
floating1594
Protean1594
unstayed1594
swimming1596
anchorless1597
mobilec1600
ticklish1601
catching1603
labile1603
unrooted1604
quicksilvered1605
versatile1605
insubstantial1607
uncertain1609
brandling1611
rootless1611
squeasy1611
wind-changinga1616
insolid1618
ambulatory1625
versatilous1629
plastic1633
desultorious1637
unbottomed1641
fluid1642
fluent1648
yea-and-nay1648
versipellous1650
flexile1651
uncentred1652
variating1653
chequered1656
slideable1662
transchangeative1662
weathercock-like1663
flicketing1674
fluxa1677
lapsable1678
wanton1681
veering1684
upon the weathercock1702
contingent1703
unsettled?1726
fermentable1731
afloat1757
brickle1768
wavy1795
vagarious1798
unsettled1803
fitful1810
metamorphosical1811
undulating1815
tittupya1817
titubant1817
mutative1818
papier mâché1818
teetotum1819
vacillating1822
capricious1823
sensitive1828
quicksilvery1829
unengrafted1829
fluxionala1834
proteiform1833
liquid1835
tottlish1835
kaleidoscopic1846
versative1846
kaleidoscopical1858
tottery1861
choppy1865
variative1874
variational1879
wimbly-wambly1881
fluctuable1882
shifty1882
giveable1884
shifty1884
tippy1886
mutatory1890
upsettable1890
rocky1897
undulatory1897
streaky1898
tottly1905
tipply1906
up and down1907
inertialess1927
sometimey1946
rise-and-fall1950
switchable1961
1596 T. Nashe Haue with you to Saffron-Walden sig. K Certaine strange dreames..which wel she hoped were but idle swimming fancies of no consequence.
a1626 F. Bacon Valerius Terminus in Lett. & Remains (1734) 415 As far as a swimming anticipation could take hold.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > substantiality or concreteness > unsubstantiality or abstractness > [adjective] > superficial
thin?c1225
superficialc1456
shallowc1595
superficiary1605
eccentric1633
outside1644
tenuious1656
swimminga1680
outwarda1682
two-dimensional1934
a1680 T. Goodwin Wks. (1704) V. i. 205 An abundance..of swimming knowledg, common enlightning.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in specific manner > alternating or reciprocating motion > oscillation > [adjective] > swaying > specifically of the body
swimming1600
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream ii. i. 130 Which she, with prettie, and with swimming gate, Following..Would imitate, and saile vpon the land. View more context for this quotation
1694 N. H. Ladies Dict. 169/2 A Swimming Gate, or an affected Pace, as if you were..measuring the ground by the Foot as you pass along.
1694 N. H. Ladies Dict. 495/2 He..admires her swiming Carriage.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 52. ⁋2 That swimming Air of your Body.
1731 Lady M. W. Montagu Farewell to Bath in Poems vi Somerville, of courteous mien,..With swimming Haws, and Brownlow blithe.
4.
a. Overflowing (in quot. c1595 transferred).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > flood or flooding > [adjective] > flooding or overflowing
delavya1400
floating1578
swimmingc1595
overfloten1601
gulf-eating?1611
overflowing1611
overrunning1611
tideful1622
inundant1629
diluvial1656
exuberant1678
diluviana1684
overflown1818
deluging1824
deluginous1835
insurgent1849
flooding1850
overstreaming1860
the world > matter > liquid > liquid which has been emitted > overflow > [adjective] > overflowing, of a vessel
swimmingc1595
inundanta1763
overflowing1876
c1595 Countess of Pembroke Psalme xcviii. 19 in Coll. Wks. (1998) II. 148 You streamy Riuers clapp your swymming hands.
b. Of the eyes: Suffused with tears; watery.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of eye > [adjective] > watery or gummy
waterya1398
watering1447
watered?c1450
vapoureda1542
waterish1561
weeping1566
gummy1580
liquid1598
swimming1703
gravy-eyed1785
1703 W. Congreve Tears Amaryllis 6 From her swimming Eyes began to pour, Of softly falling Rain a Silver Show'r.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Enoch Arden in Enoch Arden, etc. 18 She rose, and fixt her swimming eyes upon him.
c. adv.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > sufficient quantity, amount, or degree > abundance > [adverb]
enoughOE
roomOE
largely?c1225
rifec1225
foison13..
rivedlyc1300
plenteously1340
plentily1340
fulsomelya1375
abundantlya1382
plenteousc1390
aboundinglyc1400
plentifullyc1400
copiously1447
abundanta1450
amply1454
substantiously1507
fatly?1521
largea1522
plentiful1563
heartily?1577
locupletely1599
redundantly1615
mainly1618
showeringly1621
rifely1648
profusively1650
galore1675
prolifically1735
wholesale1762
copious1791
aplenty1830
plenty1842
swimming1887
the world > space > place > presence > fact of taking up space > [adverb] > more than full
swimming1887
1887 D. Donaldson Jamieson's Sc. Dict. Suppl. Addenda Swimming..also used as an adv., as in the phrase swimming full, i.e. abundantly, copiously full or filled, well stocked.
5.
a. Affected with, or characterized by, dizziness or giddiness.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > vertigo > [adjective]
dizzyc1340
turngiddy1398
turn-sickc1440
lighta1500
light-headeda1500
dozy1530
swimec1540
giddy1570
swimming1607
vertiginous1608
vertiginal1612
vertiginous1621
vertigious1623
hiddy-giddy1629
swimmering1650
wheel-sick1670
giddyish1711
swimmy1836
whizzy1866
dizzied1870
1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 555 For the..curing of the swimming dizzines or giddines in the head.
1688 King's Declar. 21/2 Yet you..are in no Danger at all of Falling Down, from any other Cause, but the Swimming Conceipt of your Own Head.
1766 H. Brooke Fool of Quality II. xii. 285 A swimming kind of stupor would fall..upon my soul.
1819 Ld. Byron Mazeppa xviii. 787 The cold, dull, swimming, dense Sensation of recurring sense.
1842 J. W. Carlyle Lett. (1883) I. 178 My head got into a swimming condition.
1885 R. Bridges Eros & Psyche ii. xxix. 25 Swiftly he sped her off, with swimming brain And airy joy, along the mountain side.
b. Of the eyes or sight (cf. Latin oculi natantes, lumina natantia).
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of eye > [adjective] > bleary
bleared1362
bleary1393
blear1398
swimming1697
muggy1824
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > disorders of eye > disordered vision > [adjective] > having dimness or poor vision
darkOE
dima1220
bissona1250
murka1300
mistedc1450
obfuscatec1487
spurblind1508
sand-blind1538
dim-sighted1561
blinking1568
dimmed1590
weak-sighteda1591
purblind1592
sand-eyed1592
thick-eyed1598
left-eyed1609
mole-eyed1610
blindish1611
mole-sighted1625
sanded1629
veiled1633
weak-eyed1645
scotomatical1656
mole-blinda1660
swimming1697
wavering1842
foggy1847
scotomatous1866
clouding1868
wall-eyed1873
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 144 An Iron Slumber shuts my swimming Eyes. View more context for this quotation
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis v, in tr. Virgil Wks. 360 The Pilot..Soon clos'd his swimming Eyes, and lay supine.
1819 J. Keats Eve St. Mark 55 With aching neck and swimming eyes, And dazed with saintly imag'ries.
1819 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto II cxii. 175 And slowly by his swimming eyes was seen A lovely female face.
1828 E. Bulwer-Lytton Pelham III. xi. 194 No trembling of the hand, no error of the swimming sight.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1919; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.1377adj.c1000