I. ˈwel-tər intransitive verb
( wel·tered ; wel·ter·ing -t(ə-)riŋ)
Etymology: Middle English; akin to Middle Dutch welteren to roll, Old High German walzan, Lithuanian volioti, Latin volvere — more at voluble
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : writhe , toss ; also : wallow
b. : to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves
2. : to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved
3. : to be in turmoil
II. noun
Date: 1596
1. : a state of wild disorder : turmoil
2. : a chaotic mass or jumble
a bewildering welter of data
III. noun
Date: 1900
: welterweight