Sudden

Sudden - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

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 Th 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.]