v. Obs. [OE. aswębban (= aswęfian), f. A- pref. 1 + swębban to put to sleep: see SWEVE v.] trans. To put to sleep; to stun; in OE. to put to death.
a. 1000. Judith, 322 (Sweet, Reader). Ealdhettende sweordum aswefede.
c. 1384. Chaucer, H. Fame, 549. So astonyed and a-sweued Was euery vertu in my heued.
