Hold Sway

Posted by James Briggs October 22, 2002In reply to Hold Sway posted by Frances on October 22, 2002

Does anybody know the derivation of the expression 'hold sway'? It is presumably nautical but I have been unable to find a source.

This is an archaic use of the word, which comes from C16th Old Norse meaning to "bend", a motion still implied in modern usage.

Replies

"Archaic use"? Tim Eckes 10/22/02
- "Archaic use"? James Briggs 10/23/02