zwodder

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English

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Etymology

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From Middle English swodderen, from Old English swodrian (to get drowsy, fall asleep), of uncertain origin. Perhaps a variant of Old English swaþrian (to withdraw, retreat, subside). Compare also Middle Dutch swadderen (to be weary from drinking, stagger).

Noun

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zwodder

  1. (UK, dialectal) A dull, drowsy state; stupor
    • 1923, John Read, Cluster-o'-vive: stories and studies of old-world Wessex, page 148:
      So most volk came round to think that 'twur a kind o' zwodder that had suddenly come over en — zummet in the line of a fainting-fit, lookyzee.