First published 1921; not fully revised
† zoundsverb
Factsheet
What does the verb zounds mean?
There is one meaning in OED's entry for the verb zounds. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.
This word is now obsolete. It is only recorded in the late 1600s.
Entry status
OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.
Where does the verb zounds come from?
Earliest known use
late 1600s
The only known use of the verb zounds is in the late 1600s.
OED's only evidence for zounds is from 1680, in the writing of John Dryden, poet, playwright, and critic.
Nearby entries
- Zoroastric, adj.a1739–
- Zoroastrism, n.1819–
- zorrino, n.1885–
- zorro, n.1838–
- zos-grass, n.1937–
- zoster, n.1601–
- zostera, n.1819–
- zosterops, n.1867–
- Zouave, n.1848–
- zouk, n.1986–
- zounds, v.1680
- zounds, int.a1593–
- Zou-Zou, n.1860–
- zowie, int.1902–
- zoysia, n.1965–
- ZPG, n.1970–
- Zr, n.1814–
- zubr, n.1763–
- zubrowka, n.1916–
- zucarine, adj.a1425
- zucca, n.1818–
Meaning & use
obsolete.
- 1680(intransitive) to exclaim ‘zounds’.Apparently an isolated use.
- 1680
When he loses upon the Square, he comes home Zoundzing and Blooding.
J. Dryden, Kind Keeper iv. i. 39
- to bless oneself1615–Hence, to bless oneself: to exclaim ‘God bless me!’ or other expression of surprise, vexation, or mortification.
- zounds1680(intransitive) to exclaim ‘zounds’.