[swell] vb swelled ; swelled or swol.len ; swell.ing [ME, fr. OE swellan; akin to OHG swellan to swell] vi (bef. 12c) 1 a: to expand (as in size, volume, or numbers) gradually beyond a normal or original limit "the population ~ed" b: to become distended or puffed up "her ankle is badly swollen" c: to form a bulge or rounded elevation
2. a: to become filled with pride and arrogance b: to behave or speak in a pompous, blustering, or self-important manner c: to play the swell
3: to become distended with emotion ~ vt 1: to affect with a powerful or expansive emotion
2: to increase the size, number, or intensity of syn see expand
[2]swell n (1606) 1: a long often massive and crestless wave or succession of waves often continuing beyond or after its cause (as a gale)
2. a: the condition of being protuberant b: a rounded elevation 3 a: the act or process of swelling b (1): a gradual increase and decrease of the loudness of a musical sound; also: a sign indicating a swell (2): a device used in an organ for governing loudness
4. a archaic: an impressive, pompous, or fashionable air or display b: a person dressed in the height of fashion c: a person of high social position or outstanding competence [3]swell adj (1785) 1 a: stylish b: socially prominent
2: excellent--used as a generalized term of enthusiasm