tsuwm expounds: we've talked about the Welsh w (cf. cwm), haven't we?

Forms: 1–4 sweord, (1 sueord, swurd), 1, 4 (6 Sc.) suord, 1, 6 swyrd, 3–5 (6 Sc.) suerd, 3–6 swerd, (3 swærd, swuerd), 4–6 swerde, sworde, (4 surd, squorde, Ayenb. zuord, 4–5 swerid, swert, 5 sward, swirde, swhirde, squrd, sqwerd, 6 sweard(e, swyrde, swurde, shorde, showrde, swourd, swoord(e, Sc. swrd, sourd), 1, 5– sword. [OE. sweord str. n. = OS., OFris. swerd, MLG. swert, MDu. swaert (Du. zwaard), OHG., MHG. swert (G. schwert), ON. sverð (Sw. svärd, Da. sverd)

the first known written usage is from Beowolf:
Helmas and heard sweord.

Yes, but why is the "w" silent? Those of us not steeped in the history of "w" in Welsh are awaiting this with bated (and baited) breath ...


The idiot also known as Capfka ...