swink

1 of 2

verb

ˈswiŋk How to pronounce swink (audio)
swinked; swinking; swinks

intransitive verb

archaic
: to work under difficult conditions or for long hours : toil
… their pelf, for the which they have so swinked and sweat …—Thomas Becon

swink

2 of 2

noun

archaic
: labor, drudgery

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English swincan; akin to Old High German swingan to rush — more at swing

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of swink was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near swink

swinish

swink

Swinomish

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Swink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swink. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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