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.

1

1530.  Palsgr., 278/1. Swyce or swycers pype, fleuste dalemant.

2

1549.  Thomas, Hist. Italie, 38. Out of the bisshops palaice came his garde of Suizzers all in white harneis.

3

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.

4

1600.  Marston, etc., Jack Drum’s Entert., I. (1601) B j. Nor do I enuy Poliphemian puffes, Swizars slopt greatnes.

5

1602.  Shaks., Ham., IV. v. 97. Where are my Switzers [Quartos Swissers]?

6

1602.  Breton, Mother’s Blessing, xlv. Nor swagger with a Swiser for his swill.

7

1611.  Cotgr., s.v. Papier, Vin papier, white wine; (called so by some Swizzers).

8

1671.  trans. Palafox’s Conq. China, xxix. 524. Two handed like the Swissers Swords.

9

1734.  Ozell, trans. Brantome’s Sp. Rhodomontades (1744), 210. They left only some Swissers in the Rear.

10