Meanings
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1
noun
the surge or wash of water against a shore, or the sound it makes
The long swash of the waves could be heard above the wind.
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2
verb
to dash or splash liquid against a surface
Waves swashed against the harbor wall throughout the storm.
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3
verb
archaic: to behave or speak in a swaggering, boastful way
The braggart swashed about the tavern as though he owned it.
Thesaurus
Etymology
A sound-symbolic word recorded in Middle English for a violent splash or blow, probably reinforced by Scandinavian forms connected with swaying or splashing. The boastful verb helped form swashbuckler, originally a swaggering swordsman.