Swaddle
/ˈswɒd.əl/noun
To wrap an infant tightly in cloth, or to bind something closely in layers.
Did you know?Swaddle is believed to be related to Old English and Germanic words for binding or winding cloth, showing how everyday nursery language can preserve ancient ideas of restraint and enclosure.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*swath-
“to bind, wrap, or wind around”
Old English
OE
swæþian
“to bind, swathe, or wrap”
Middle English
ME
swadlen
“to wrap or bandage closely”
16th Century
English
swaddle
“to wrap tightly in cloth, especially an infant”
Modern English
English
swaddle
“to wrap tightly in cloth or bandages”