Obs. Forms: 6 Swycer, Swycher, Suisser, Swizer, 6–7 Swizzer, 6–8 Swisser, 7 Swizar, Swiser. See also SWITZER. [ad. MHG. Swycer, Schwyczer, var. Sweitzer SWITZER, or f. F. Suisse SWISS + -ER1.] A Swiss.
1530. Palsgr., 278/1. Swyce or swycers pype, fleuste dalemant.
1549. Thomas, Hist. Italie, 38. Out of the bisshops palaice came his garde of Suizzers all in white harneis.
1593. Nashe, Christ’s T., Wks. 1904, II. 99. Law, Logique, and the Swizers, may be hir’d to fight for any body. Ibid. (1596), Saffron Walden, Wks. 1905, III. 35. A payre of Swissers omnipotent galeaze breeches.
1600. Marston, etc., Jack Drum’s Entert., I. (1601) B j. Nor do I enuy Poliphemian puffes, Swizars slopt greatnes.
1602. Shaks., Ham., IV. v. 97. Where are my Switzers [Quartos Swissers]?
1602. Breton, Mother’s Blessing, xlv. Nor swagger with a Swiser for his swill.
1611. Cotgr., s.v. Papier, Vin papier, white wine; (called so by some Swizzers).
1671. trans. Palafox’s Conq. China, xxix. 524. Two handed like the Swissers Swords.
1734. Ozell, trans. Brantome’s Sp. Rhodomontades (1744), 210. They left only some Swissers in the Rear.
