ppl. a. [pa. pple. of SWAY v.]

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  † 1.  Of a horse: Having a depression in the spinal column, caused by strain. Also back-swayed, SWAY-BACKED. Obs.

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  In Shaks., Tam. Shr., III. ii. 56 swayed is a conjecture of Hanmer’s for the reading Waid of the folios and quarto.

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1577.  B. Googe, Heresbach’s Husb., III. (1586), 134 b. Which will make him draw his legges after him, and goe as if he were swaide in the chine.

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1600.  Surflet, Country Farm, I. xxviii. 189. For a horse swaide in the backe,… apply vnto the reines of his backe an emplaster.

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1685.  Lond. Gaz., No. 2089/4. A Great Spread black Cart-Gelding,… having a rowling gate, formerly Sway’d in the back.

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a. 1722.  Lisle, Husb. (1757), 225. A strait flat back, or a little swayed.

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1852.  Burn, Naval & Milit. Dict. (1863), Back swayed, élancé, efflanqué.

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  2.  gen. Bent.

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1688.  R. Holme, Armoury, III. xv. (Roxb.), 25/2. An old Leger booke, with turned up leaues and a swayed or bent back.

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