"swell" Definition

Definitions for the word "swell" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. v.
(past part. Swollen or swelled) 1 (cause to) grow bigger, louder, or more intense. 2 (often foll. By up) rise or raise up from the surrounding surface. 3 (foll. By out) bulge. 4 (of the heart etc.) Feel full of joy, pride, relief, etc. 5 (foll. By with) be hardly able to restrain (pride etc.). n. 1 act or state of swelling. 2 heaving of the sea with unbreaking waves. 3 a crescendo. B mechanism in an organ etc. For producing a crescendo or diminuendo. 4 colloq. Dandy. 5 protuberance. adj. Colloq. 1 esp. Us fine, excellent. 2 smart, fashionable. have (or get) a swelled (or swollen) head be (or become) conceited. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
2. slang
a man of importance; a person with a showy, jaunty exterior, “a rank SWELL,” a very flashily dressed person, a man who by excessive dress apes a higher position than he actually occupies. Any one occupying a superior position in society is by the mob called a SWELL. Anything is said to be SWELL or SWELLISH that looks showy, or is many coloured, or is of a desirable quality. Dickens and Thackeray were termed great SWELLS in literature, and so are the first persons in the learned professions SWELLS in their way.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

Dictionary entries nearby:

Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "swell" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "swell" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "swell") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brands mentioned on the page. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.