I. ˈswin-d ə l verb
( swin·dled ; swin·dling ˈswin(d)-liŋ, ˈswin-d ə l-iŋ)
Etymology: back-formation from swindler, from German Schwindler giddy person, from schwindeln to be dizzy, from Old High German swintilōn, frequentative of swintan to diminish, vanish; akin to Old English swindan to vanish
Date: circa 1782
intransitive verb
: to obtain money or property by fraud or deceit
transitive verb
: to take money or property from by fraud or deceit
Synonyms: see cheat
• swin·dler ˈswin(d)-lər, ˈswin-d ə l-ər noun
II. noun
Date: 1821
: an act or instance of swindling : fraud