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.
Swink, Swynk, v. Also: suynke. [ME and e.m.E. swink(en (c1200), swinke (1340-70), swynke (Chaucer), OE swincan.] intr. a. To labour, toil. b. To surpass, excel (in something). —a. a1400 Leg. S. xxi 117.
Hyre handis twa … wordit sa Vnhelful, that scho mycht nocht swynk Na wyne with thame met ore drink a1400 Leg. S. xxvii 791.
Wit ȝe quhen we swink, That we haf gret fawt of drynk —b. a1400 Leg. S. xxxvi 68.
Wyne & cesare he ne sal drinke, Bot before God he sal wele suynke [L. præcederet] In spryt & vertu of hely [sc. Elias]
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