Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SUD'DEN, a. [Sax. soden; Fr. soudain; Norm. soubdain; L. subitaneus.]

1. Happening without previous notice; coming unexpectedly, or without the common preparatives. And sudden fear troubleth thee. – Job xxii. For when they shall say, peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them. – 1 Thess. v.
2. Hasty; violent; rash; precipitate; passionate. [Not in use.] – Shak.