sb. pl. Obs. Also 4 clut; 6 swathe. [f. stem of SWATHE v. + pl. of CLOUT sb. Cf. SWATHING-CLOUTS.] Swaddling-clothes.
c. 1325. Gloss. W. de Bibbesw., in Wright, Voc., 143 (Camb. MS.). Lors deyt estre maylolez [gloss swath-clut].
1579. Lyly, Euphues (Arb.), 60. When children are in their swathe cloutes. Ibid. (1580), Ep. Ded. 214. The other (right Honourable) being but yet in his swathe cloutes, I commit … to your Lordships protection.
1583. Melbancke, Philotimus, H iv b. Was it not better for the two twinnes Romulus and Remus, to be caste oute in their swath clowtes…?
1592. Lyly, Gallathea, III. i. Beeing yet scarce out of his swath-clowtes.
