zwodder

English

Etymology

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

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.