Swindle
/ˈswɪn.dəl/noun
To cheat or defraud someone, especially by trickery.
Did you know?Swindle is a 19th-century slang word whose exact origin is uncertain, but it’s firmly tied to criminal underworld speech rather than any ancient magical root.
Etymological Timeline
Early 19th Century
English
swindle
“To cheat or defraud by trickery; also a cheat or swindler.”
18th-19th Century
English slang
swindle
“Criminal or underworld slang for a fraudulent trick or act of cheating.”
17th Century
English
swindler
“A cheat, sharper, or fraudster.”
Uncertain
Germanic?
swindeln
“Often suggested as a possible source or influence, with senses like to dangle, swing, or swindle; the origin is not securely established.”