swink

1 of 2

verb

ˈswiŋk 

swinked; swinking; swinks

intransitive verb

archaic

: to work under difficult conditions or for long hours : toil

… their pelf, for the which they have so swinked and sweat …

—Thomas Becon

swink

2 of 2

noun

archaic

: labor, drudgery

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English swincan; akin to Old High German swingan to rush — more at swing

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined above