SWADDLER, a Wesleyan Methodist; a name originally given to members of
that body by the Irish mob; said to have originated with an ignorant
Romanist, to whom the words of the English Bible were a novelty, and
who, hearing one of John Wesley’s preachers mention the _swaddling
clothes_ of the Holy Infant, in a sermon on Christmas-day at Dublin,
shouted out in derision, “_A swaddler! a swaddler!_” as if the whole
story were the preacher’s invention.—_Southey’s Life of Wesley_, vol.
ii., p. 109.
SWADDY, or COOLIE, a soldier. The former was originally applied to a
discharged soldier, and perhaps came from shoddy, of which soldiers’
coats are made.
SWAG, a lot or plenty of anything, a portion or division of property.
In Australia the term is used for the luggage carried by diggers: in
India the word LOOT is used. _Scotch_, SWEG, or SWACK; _German_, SWEIG,
a flock. _Old cant_ for a shop.
SWAG, booty, or plundered property; “collar the SWAG,” seize the booty.
SWAG-SHOP, a warehouse where “Brummagem” and general wares are
sold,—fancy trinkets, plated goods, &c. Jews are the general
proprietors, and the goods are excessively low priced, trashy, and
showy. SWAG-SHOPS were formerly plunder depôts.—_Old cant._
SWAGSMAN, one who carries the booty after a burglary.