An archaic past tense meaning to swat, strike, or beat extensively or excessively.
From Old English 'for-' (thoroughly, excessively) + 'swat' (to hit or strike). The prefix emphasizes the intensity or repeated nature of the striking action.
This delightfully specific old word perfectly captures moments of frustrated violence—when you don't just swat a fly once but whack at it repeatedly in escalating fury.
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