Obs. Variant of SWARTH a. (Cf. prec.)

1

1619.  Heath, House of Correction, B 2 b. Because I’me black and swarfe.

2

1621.  Quarles, Argalus & P. (1678), 96. Her face did shrowd A swarff Complexion.

3

1622.  Mabbe, trans. Aleman’s Guzman d’Alf., II. 200. A dainty fine shee-slaue, not swarfe and tawney … but faire and well-favour’d.

4

  So † Swarfish a. = SWARTHISH; † Swarfy (-fie, -ffie, -vy) a. = SWARTHY a.1

5

1602.  Salmasis & Hermaphroditus, D 2 b. While the black night with her pitchie hand Tooke just possession of the swarfie land.

6

1643.  Baker, Chron., Rich. III., 137. His face little and round, his complexion swarfie.

7

1671.  Blagrave, Astrol. Pract. Physick, 77. Complexion muddy or swarfish.

8

1688.  R. Holme, Armoury, I. 13/2. Swart, Swarvy or Tawny-moor colour.

9