a. Also 6 swerttysshe. [f. SWART a. + -ISH1.] Somewhat swart, dusky or dark-colored. Also advb.

1

1483.  Chaucer’s H. Fame, III. 557. Black, blo, grenyssh, swartysh [MSS. swart(e] rede.

2

c. 1530.  Judic. Urines, I. iii. 8. The womans vryne is more swartyshe … than is mannes vrype. Ibid., III. v. 50. A vapourus superfluyte, swerttysshe and dymmysshe.

3

1545.  Raynalde, Byrth Mankynde, 43. The couloure swartisshe blacke.

4

1630.  R. Johnson’s Kingd. & Commw., 59. The Tartars are swartish, illfavoured, with a great thick lip.

5

1647.  Lilly, Chr. Astrol., viii. 58. His complexion pale, swartish or muddy.

6