swepen

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Middle English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Not known before the 14th century, but usually considered to be from Old English *swēpan, *swǣpan, from Proto-West Germanic *swaipijan, from Proto-Germanic *swaipijaną.

Derivation from Old English swipian (with open-syllable lengthening) or swēop, past participle of swāpan is also possible; these sources may have reinforced a rare *swēpan.

Pronunciation

Verb

swepen (third-person singular simple present swepeth, present participle swepynge, first-/third-person singular past indicative swepte, past participle swept)

  1. (transitive, intransitive) To sweep (something); to stroke with a broom:
  2. (transitive, religion) To cleanse or purge evil influences.
  3. (usually transitive) To remove or eradicate; to strike off.
  4. (transitive, intransitive, poetic, uncommon) To speed up or impel.

Conjugation

Descendants

  • English: sweep
  • Scots: sweep

References