SUD'DEN, adjective [Latin subitaneus.] 1. Happening without previous notice; coming unexpectedly, or without the common preparatives. And sudden fear troubleth thee. Job 22:10. For when they shall say, peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them. 1 Thessalonians 5:3. 2. Hasty; violent; rash; precipitate; passionate. [Not in use.] SUD'DEN, noun 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.]
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI