I. ˈsweliŋ, -lēŋ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from gerund of swellen to swell
1. : something that is swollen : bulge , protuberance ; specifically : an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement
a neoplastic swelling
2. archaic : conceited feeling or behavior : excessive pride
3.
a. archaic : the action of rising above a level or surface
b. : the act or process of dilating or the condition of having become dilated : expansion
experienced agreeable swellings of virtue — Mary Austin
II. adjective
Etymology: from present participle of swellen to swell
1. : increasing in volume, amount, or force : filling out : enlarging , rising
the swelling bubble
the swelling sails
the swelling tide
the swelling roar of the crowd
2. : having a bulging or curving form ; specifically : having a gently rising contour
eastward rise the swelling foothills — American Guide Series: Oregon
3.
a. : inflated with conceit : overweening
prizefighters — swelling in triumph — Bergen Evans
b. : marked by intensity of feeling : expansive
the swelling sense of great things impending — F. Tennyson Jesse
c. : inflated in style or manner : bombastic , pompous
a swelling speech
a swelling scene
• swell·ing·ly adverb