swear

UK /ˈswɛə(ɹ)/ US /ˈswɛɚ/
verb 6adj 5noun 2

Definitions

verb

1

To take an oath, to promise intensely, solemnly, and/or with legally binding effect.

The knight swore not to return to the palace until he had found the treasure.

2

To take an oath that an assertion is true.

The witness swore that the person she had seen running out of the bank was a foot shorter than the accused.

3

To promise intensely that something is true; to strongly assert.

I swear I don't know what you're talking about.

My little brother is such a pest, I swear.

4

To administer an oath to (a person).

Let the witness be sworn.

5

To use offensive, profane, or obscene language.

An Australian was once appointed on contract, but he swore too much.

noun

1

A swear word.

You might think it funny to hear this Kanaka girl come out with a big swear. No such thing. There was no swearing in her — no, nor anger; she was beyond anger, and meant the word simple and serious.

[A]ccording to his kind the man would smile cynically, or look sad, or let out a swear or two.

adj

1

Heavy.

2

Top-heavy; too high.

3

Dull; lazy; slow.

Rise up gueedewife, an dinna be sweer, / B'soothan, b'soothan, / An deal yir chirity t' the peer, / An awa b'mony a toon.

4

Reluctant; unwilling.

But faith, to glump ye I'd be sweer / I wish ye luck o' this new year

My father will maybe be a wee sweer to take ye in, but ye maun make your way on him the best gate ye can; he has the best stockit pantry on Teviot head, but a bit of a Laidlaw's fault, complaining aye maist when he has least reason.

5

Niggardly.

For if my Pen shall turn as Sweir's their Purse / I fear this is the last I'll write in Verse

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