advb. phr. Obs. Also 4–5 alswithe, asswyþe, aswythe. This, besides its literal meaning ‘as quickly,’ had the sense: As quickly as possible, immediately. (See AS A III, and cf. ASFAST, ASSOON, ASTITE.)

1

[1375–1521; see quotations under ALSWITHE.]

2

c. 1320.  R. Brunne, Medit., 1016. Ryȝt wyth þat wurde aswyþe she ryst.

3

c. 1340.  Gaw. & Gr. Knt., 1400. To soper þay ȝede asswyþe.

4

c. 1386.  Chaucer, Man of L. T., 539. Thou schalt be slayn as swithe.

5

c. 1420.  Pallad. on Husb., IV. 623. A sithe Made for lupyne is upp to honge aswithe.

6