Squench
/skwɛntʃ/noun
To extinguish a fire or to satisfy thirst.
Did you know?In the Middle Ages, 'squench' was often used in the context of dousing flames, but it also had connotations of overwhelming or overpowering, almost like a ritualistic act of control over fire.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*skwankōną
“To crush or extinguish.”
Old English
OE
squencan
“To extinguish (a fire) or to satisfy thirst.”
Old Norse
ON
skvǫnkr
“To extinguish or douse.”
Middle English
ME
squenchen
“To put out (a fire); to satisfy.”
15th Century
English
squenche
“To suppress or diminish, particularly in relation to fire or thirst.”
Modern English
English
squench
“To extinguish or satisfy, remaining in use with the same core meanings.”