When you hear 'lam' are you hearing English or Scandinavian?

'Lam' is a word borrowed from Scandinavian 'lamme'. The word entered the English language some time around 1595.

lam [verb] [1595]

• to beat soundly
• thrash
• strike
• to flee hastily
• scram

See 'lam' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Scandinavian.

Etymology: Perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse 'lemja' to thrash; akin to Old English 'lama' lame

See more loan words from 1500s.