int. Obs. Forms: 6 swown(e)s, swouns, swonds, sowns, ’sowns, 6–7 swoundes, swones, 7 swoones, ’swounds, swounds. A euphemistic abbreviation of God’s wounds (see GOD sb. 14 a) used in oaths and asseverations. Cf. ZOUNDS.
1589. [? Nashe], Almond for Parrat, Ded. A ij b. Some rufling Courtier, that sweares swoundes and blood.
c. 1590. Marlowe, Faustus, iv. How, boy? swowns, boy.
1599. Hayward, 1st Pt. Life Hen. IV., 19. Sir Hugh swore, swownes, and snayles, let vs set vpon them, and kill euery man and mothers childe.
1599. Porter, Angry Wom. Abingt., 335. Sowns, go to, put up your bodkin.
1604. [? Chettle], Wit of Woman, E 3. Foh, swoundes Sir, tis a Sir reuerence.
1620. I. C., Two Merry Milk-maids, IV. i. L j b. O Swoones he has stabd me.
