swither

[ swith-er ]

noun

, British Dialect.

1. a state of confusion, excitement, or perplexity.

swither

/ ˈswɪðər /

verb

1. to hesitate; vacillate; be perplexed

noun

1. hesitation; perplexity; agitation

Word History and Origins

Origin of swither¹

1495–1505; origin uncertain; compare Old English geswithrian to retire, dwindle, fail

Word History and Origins

Origin of swither¹

C16: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

He seemed to be in a swither whether to return home, to follow ye, or to lie down and die by the road.

From Project Gutenberg

Strong cruel brutes, they did not swither a moment, but both leaped at M'Iver's throat.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole works ud be in a swither 'fore iver we'd time to ax what was comin'.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile the big mother moose was thrashing around in the bushes in a terrible swither, calling her calf to come.

From Project Gutenberg

A the folk say there was nae doubt about it, and sae does my mother, but my father was aye in a swither; he thought it couldna be.

From Project Gutenberg