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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.

Swyfe, Swyve, v. Also: swyffe, swyif, swiff. P.t. also swywyd, swewyt. P.p. also swywit, -wyd. [ME and e.m.E. swyue (Chaucer), swyfe (c1440), OE swífan.]

1. intr. To copulate.pres. c1500-c1512 Dunb. (STS) xxxiv 67.
The Feind me ryfe, Gif I do ocht bot drynk and swyfe 1540 Lynd. Sat. Proclam. 57.
I as preistis may swyve & nevir mary 1540 Lynd. Sat. 318 (B).
Swyif 1593–4 St. A. Kirk S. 780.
That he suld swyffe in dispyte of the ministerp.t. 1547–9 Liber Offic. S. Andree 139.
Jonet Brus ȝe ar ane honest woman I knew neuer that euer ȝe swiffit with the ald officiall and in safer as I reherssit the samen I ask God forgevance and ȝow

2. tr. To copulate with.pres. 1540 Lynd. Sat. 2026.
Manifestlie during thair lustie lyfis, Thay swyfe ladies, madinis and vther mens wyfis 1546 Stirling B. Rec. I 43.
Scho lukit throe ane hole and saw hym swiff Henry Thomson wiff vj tymesp.t. c1420 Wynt. viii 2042.
Swa sayd the preyst, that swywyd [C. serde, W. swyffit] thi wyff 1539 Aberd. B. Rec. I 159.
I sell leid thé to the place for [= where] the freir swewyt thép.p. c1420 Wynt. viii 2048.
Thi dame wes swywyd [C. swywit, W. swyffit] or thow wes borne