English

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Etymology

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From Middle English swathlen (to bind; swaddle), from Middle English swathel, swethel, from Old English swaþul, swæþel, sweþel, sweoþol (swaddling cloth), equivalent to swathe (to wrap with fabric) +‎ -le (agent/instrumental suffix), the word then underwent th-stopping (its voiced th became a d). Cognate with Middle Dutch swadel (swaddling; bandage), Old High German swedili (poultice), Old English sweþian, besweþian (to wrap; swaddle).

Pronunciation

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Verb

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swaddle (third-person singular simple present swaddles, present participle swaddling, simple past and past participle swaddled)

  1. To bind (a baby) with long narrow strips of cloth.
  2. (archaic) To beat; cudgel.
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Translations

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Noun

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swaddle (plural swaddles)

  1. Anything used to swaddle with, such as a cloth or band.

Translations

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Anagrams

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