v. Obs. [OE. forswelȝan, -sweolȝan, f. FOR- pref.1 + swęlȝan to SWALLOW.] trans. To swallow up, devour utterly.

1

Beowulf, 2089 (Gr.).

        Ȝrendel … leofes mannes lic
eall for swealȝ.

2

c. 1175.  Lamb. Hom., 123. Þenne bið he gredi þes eses and forswoleȝeð þene hoc forð mid þan ese.

3

a. 1225.  Ancr. R., 66. Þe luðere coue deouel berð awei uorm þe kekelinde ancren, & uorswoluweð al þæt god þæt heo istreoned habbeð.

4

1340.  Ayenb., 67. Onleak þe erþe and uorzualȝ datan and abyron.

5

c. 1400.  Solomon’s Bk. Wisdom, 259. Sone hadden þe Lyouns forswelewed hem vchone.

6