zounds, v.

zounds
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/zounds_v%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
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

1. Zoroastric, adj. a1739–
2. Zoroastrism, n. 1819–
3. zorrino, n. 1885–
4. zorro, n. 1838–
5. zos-grass, n. 1937–
6. zoster, n. 1601–
7. zostera, n. 1819–
8. zosterops, n. 1867–
9. Zouave, n. 1848–
10. zouk, n. 1986–
11. zounds, v.1680
12. zounds, int. a1593–
13. Zou-Zou, n. 1860–
14. zowie, int. 1902–
15. zoysia, n. 1965–
16. ZPG, n. 1970–
17. Zr, n. 1814–
18. zubr, n. 1763–
19. zubrowka, n. 1916–
20. zucarine, adj. a1425
21. zucca, n. 1818–

## Meaning & use

obsolete.

1. 1680
   (intransitive) to exclaim ‘zounds’.
   Apparently an isolated use.
   1. 1680

      > When he loses upon the Square, he comes home Zoundzing and Blooding.

      J. Dryden, Kind Keeper iv. i. 39
   1. to bless oneself 1615–
      Hence, to bless oneself: to exclaim ‘God bless me!’ or other expression of surprise, vexation, or mortification.
   2. zounds 1680
      (intransitive) to exclaim ‘zounds’.
   View in Historical Thesaurus

Originally published as part of the entry for zounds, int.

zounds, int. was first published in 1921; not fully revised.