WHELM • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Whelm

Add this Dictionary
to your website!
See more options...

Listen

verb

Whelm v. t. (past & past part. whelmed; pres. part. whelming)

To cover with water or other fluid; to cover by immersion in something that envelops on all sides; to overwhelm; to ingulf. "She is my prize, or ocean whelm them all!" "The whelming billow and the faithless oar."

Fig.: To cover completely, as if with water; to immerse; to overcome; as, to whelm one in sorrows. "The whelming weight of crime."

To throw (something) over a thing so as to cover it. (Obs.)

See images of 'Whelm'

Etymology of 'Whelm'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

Share |

"Whelm" Quotes from Famous Books

... father careth for— That men should live hearted throughout with thee— Because the simple, only life thou art, Of the very truth of living, the pure heart. For this, deep waters whelm the fruitful lea, Wars ravage, famine wastes, plague withers, nor Shall cease till men ...

— A Book of Strife in the Form of The Diary of an Old Soul • George MacDonald

... a scattering of shots, and Brian spurred forward. The road wound a hundred yards below, and Cathbarr had already fallen on the vanguard. The Scots were riding forward to whelm him when Brian's men drove down with a wild yell and smote the length of ...

— Nuala O'Malley • H. Bedford-Jones

... a half-circle watch'd the sun; And a sweet sadness dwelt on every one; I knew not why,—but know that sadness dwells On Mermaids—whether that they ring the knells Of seamen whelm'd in chasms of the mid-main, As poets sing; or that it is a pain To know the dusk depths of the ponderous sea, The miles profound of solid green, and be With loath'd cold fishes, far from man—or what;— I know ...

— Poems of Gerard Manley Hopkins - Now First Published • Gerard Manley Hopkins

... envy poison sweet benevolence. Oh, 'tis a goodly group of attributes, And well befits some statesman's righteous rule! Out, out upon such bloody doings! The term of being is not worth the sin; No human bosom can endure its dart. Then put this cruel purpose from thee far, Nor let the blood of Essex whelm ...

— The Earl of Essex • Henry Jones

... is one of Cupid's carriers; Clap on more sails; pursue; up with your fights; Give fire; she is my prize, or ocean whelm them all! ...

— The Merry Wives of Windsor • William Shakespeare [Craig, Oxford edition]

More quotes...