a. [ OE. sodian, sodein, OF. sodain, sudain, F. soudain, L. subitaneus, fr. subitus sudden, that has come unexpectedly, p. p. of subire to come on, to steal upon; sub under, secretly + ire to go. See Issue, and cf. Subitaneous. ] 1. Happening without previous notice or with very brief notice; coming unexpectedly, or without the common preparation; immediate; instant; speedy. “O sudden wo!” Chaucer. “For fear of sudden death.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Sudden fear troubleth thee. Job xxii. 10. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Hastly prepared or employed; quick; rapid. [ 1913 Webster ] Never was such a sudden scholar made. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] The apples of Asphaltis, appearing goodly to the sudden eye. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Hasty; violent; rash; precipitate. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Unexpected; unusual; abrupt; unlooked-for. [ 1913 Webster ] -- Sud"den*ly, adv. -- Sud"den*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
