zounds

Definition

Expressing anger, surprise, assertion etc.

Etymology

Minced form of God's wounds, with reference to the wounds from Christ's crucifixion. Compare strewth, blimey, gadzooks, 'sblood, crikey.

Example Sentences

• "'Zounds, a dog, a rat, a mouse, a cat, to scratch a man to death!"
• "Bounds, mounds, lounds, founds, kounds, downds, rounds, pounds, zounds! — hounds — ha! hounds — I have it."
• ""Zounds!" he exclaimed. "What the dickens is that?""