Swell  —v. (past part. Swollen or swelled) 1 (cause to) grow bigger, louder, or more intense. 2 (often foll. By up) rise or raise up from the surrounding surface. 3 (foll. By out) bulge. 4 (of the heart etc.) Feel full of joy, pride, relief, etc. 5 (foll. By with) be hardly able to restrain (pride etc.). —n. 1 act or state of swelling. 2 heaving of the sea with unbreaking waves. 3 a crescendo. B mechanism in an organ etc. For producing a crescendo or diminuendo. 4 colloq. Dandy. 5 protuberance. —adj. Colloq. 1 esp. Us fine, excellent. 2 smart, fashionable.  have (or get) a swelled (or swollen) head be (or become) conceited. [old english]