I. ˈswinj transitive verb
( swinged ; swinged ; swingeing ; swinges )
Etymology: Middle English swengen to shake, move violently, from Old English swengan; akin to Old English swingan to beat, fling oneself, rush — more at swing
1. chiefly dialect : beat , scourge , thrash
the young dogs — swinge them to the labor — Robert Burns
2. obsolete : revolve , whirl
3. obsolete : to swing (a tail) violently : lash
II. noun
( -s )
1. obsolete : power , authority
2. obsolete : freedom of action : swing 2a(3)
3. obsolete : driving power : impetus
III. ˈswinj transitive verb
( swinged ; swinged ; swingeing ; swinges )
Etymology: alteration of singe
dialect : singe , scorch
a- swingeing the pinfeathers off that gobbler — Frances Gaither