v. Obs. [OE. cwęlman, cwięlman (= OS. quelmian once in Hel.), f. cwealm QUALM.] trans. To torment; to kill, destroy.
c. 825. Vesp. Psalter xxxvi. 11. Ðenedon boʓan his … ðæt hie cwaelmen ða rehtheortan.
971. Blickl. Hom., 63. Judas nu is cwylmed … on þæm ecum witum.
a. 1300. E. E. Psalter xxxvi. 14. He bent his bowe … þat he … quelm rightwis of hert.
Hence † Quelmer, a destroyer. Obs.
c. 1425. Lydg., Assembly of Gods, 709. Quelmers of chyldren, with fornycatours.
