Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—S

Sweat

To sweat a client. To make him bleed; to fleece him.

To sweat coin.
To subtract part of the silver or gold by friction, but not to such an amount as to render the coin useless as a legal tender. The French use suer in the same sense, as “Suer son argent,” to sweat his money by usury. “Vous faites suer le bonhomme- tel est votre dire quand vous le pillez.” (Harangue du Capitaine la Carbonnade.) (1615.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Sweating sickness
Swear by my Sword
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