Definition: To prepare (meat, fabric, etc.) by rolling or pounding in order to soften it.

Alright class, settle down now, let’s take a look at this word – “Swiss.” The dictionary gives us a neat little definition, doesn't it? "To prepare...by rolling or pounding, softening it." It paints a picture of work, a bit of effort, you see. Now, "Swiss" as in Switzerland – that’s where the word comes from, you know! It’s linked to a very old technique used by Swiss cheesemakers. Imagine this: they’d roll and press their cheese – often Emmental, that lovely nutty one - with heavy weights. They'd Swiss it, as the dictionary says, pressing it down to create those wonderful holes! It was a way to drain out the liquid, making the cheese firmer and fuller of flavor. Think of it like this: you’re giving the cheese a good squeeze, a thorough press – that’s the “Swiss” action. It's about compacting and firming up something with pressure. So, "Swiss" can mean both the method of rolling and pounding to soften or consolidate something - like fabric or meat - and it refers to the country itself! Does that make sense? Any questions before we move on?