v.
- move slowly or rhythmically backwards and forwards or from side to side.
- cause to change in opinion, action, etc.; influence.
- literary rule; govern.
n.
- a rhythmical movement from side to side.
- influence or rule.
Phrase
- hold sway
have great power or influence.
Etymology
ME: rel. to Low Ger. swājen ‘be blown to and fro’ and Du. zwaaien ‘swing, walk totteringly’.