swaddle

English

Etymology

From Middle English swathlen (to bind; swaddle), from Middle English swathel, swethel, from Old English swaþul, swæþel, sweþel, sweoþol (swaddling cloth), equivalent to swathe (to wrap with fabric) + -le (agent/instrumental suffix), the word then underwent th-stopping (its voiced th became a d). Cognate with Middle Dutch swadel (swaddling; bandage), Old High German swedili (poultice), Old English sweþian, besweþian (to wrap; swaddle).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /swɔdl/
  • Rhymes: -ɒdəl

Verb

swaddle (third-person singular simple present swaddles, present participle swaddling, simple past and past participle swaddled)

  1. To bind (a baby) with long narrow strips of cloth.
  2. (archaic) To beat; cudgel.

Translations

Noun

swaddle (plural swaddles)

  1. Anything used to swaddle with, such as a cloth or band.
    • Addison
      They put me in bed in all my swaddles.

Anagrams

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