swash

Meanings

1. 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.

2. 2
   verb

   to dash or splash liquid against a surface

   Waves swashed against the harbor wall throughout the storm.

3. 3
   verb

   archaic: to behave or speak in a swaggering, boastful way

   The braggart swashed about the tavern as though he owned it.

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.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary