SUD'DEN, a. L. subitaneus.
1. Happening without previous notice coming unexpectedly, or without the common preparatives.
And sudden fear troubleth thee. Job 22
For when they shall say, peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them. 1 Thessalonians 5
2. Hasty violent rash precipitate passionate. Not in use.
SUD'DEN, n. An unexpected occurrence surprise. Not in use.
On a sudden, sooner than was expected without the usual preparatives.
How art thou lost, how on a sudden lost!
Of a sudden, is not usual, and is less elegant.
The King James Bible has stood its ground for nearly 400 years. However, during that time the English language has changed, and with it the meanings of some words it used. Here are more than 6,500 words whose definitions have changed since 1611.Wikipedia
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