zounds

American  

[zoundz] / zaʊndz /

interjection

Archaic.

1. (used as a mild oath.)

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zounds British  

/ zwaʊndz, zaʊndz, zaʊndz /

interjection

1. archaic a mild oath indicating surprise, indignation, etc

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Etymology

Origin of zounds

First recorded in 1590–1600; variant of 'swounds

Example Sentences

But any potential eeriness was quickly overwhelmed by the mob of cheerful Appletonians, sipping wine, munching on cheese and -- zounds -- even joking.

From Time Magazine Archive

In drat, formerly 'od rot, zounds for God's wounds, 'sdeath, odsbodikins, etc., there is probably a deliberate avoidance of profanity.

From The Romance of Words (4th ed.) by Weekley, Ernest

“Why zounds, Ballard, you have turned advocate-general for all the rebels in the country,” said Berkeley, petulantly.

From Hansford: A Tale of Bacon's Rebellion by Tucker, St. George

Who that utters the word "zounds," imagines that he is speaking of such awful and inconceivable things as "God's wounds," though literally he is doing so?

From The International Monthly, Volume 3, No. 1, April, 1851 by Various

But zounds, man!" he exclaimed, like one exasperated with perplexity, "what maggot's in your brains?

From Lawrence Clavering by Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley)