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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Swelch, Swelth, Swellie, Swallie, n. Also: suelth, swelt, swelf, swelchie, (swich). [ME and e.m.E. swelw, suelhu (both Manning), swal-, swolowe, swelow (all Wyclif), swelgh (c1400), swelth (Prompt. Parv.), swallow (1592), late OE ᵹeswelᵹ, *swelᵹ, swelh, MLG swelch, swalch, ON svelgr; Swelly v.] An abyss in the sea; a whirlpool. Also fig.(a) c1400 Troy-bk. ii 2273.
That swelt half of my schippis has Suelled a1500 Lanc. 1317.
Swelf c1515 Asl. MS I 162/13.
Vther swelchis and perrellis ar in the occeane as is the west cleif of litill Brettane and it is callit the litill navill of the see 1513 Doug. i iii 42 (Sm.).
The schip with this, Thryise thair the fluide quhirlit about round, The sowcand sweltht sank onder se and dround 1513 Doug. iii Prol. 43.
Fra swelth of Sylla and dyrk Caribdis bandis 1513 Doug. vi v 3, etc.
With holl bysme and hydduus swelch [Ruthv. swich] onrude 1701 Brand Orkney & Shetl. 141.
The tide in the ebb running … down into the swelchie of Stromafig. a1400 Leg. S. xxxiv 177, 181.
Fore I of fule ame the suelth, That has nocht anerly my-selfe Sonkyne in syne vnhapely, Bot men but nombre als haf I Gert synk in-to the suelth of syne Arundel MS 248/285.
O marcifull Lord God, grant that the angell that is commitit to my keiping … deliuer me stalwartly fra the swelth of synnis(b) 1562-3 Winȝet II 63/8.
That auld swellie of filthines(c) 1596 Dalr. I 118/22.
Mony walde be drawne heidlings into the deip swallie of al abhominable vice 1596 Dalr. II 226/24.
The huche and stinkand swallie of Luther