Swerynge

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Making a formal, binding promise invoking a sacred power or a person of authority ; the use of coarse or profane words, often as an expression of anger
2. The solemn taking of an oath to bind oneself to a pledge ; the habit of uttering curses and crude expletives
3. A ceremonial vow sworn before witnesses or a higher power ; the practice of letting out profanities or vulgar exclamations

Etymology: Middle English "swerynge" is the present participle or verbal noun of "sweren," meaning to swear, and it belongs to the same family as the modern verb. Its ancestry is Old English "swerian," which had a much wider range than today's sense: it meant to take an oath, to vow or pledge, and to make a solemn promise, usually with an appeal to a god or sacred object as witness. Cursing and profane speech came later, as people called on divine names and holy things in angry or careless talk, and oath-making was condemned as profanity. The sense "using coarse language" is therefore the old oath-taking word narrowed to one of its most objectionable uses.