Green’s Dictionary of Slang

hanging; a hanging; also attrib.

1622		Massinger Virgin-Martyr II i: She took us, ’tis true, from the gallows; yet I hope she will not bar yeoman sprats to have their swing.
a.1661		‘Vanity of Vanities’ in Rump Poems and Songs (1662) ii 110: For all his Ceremonious Cringing, / He shall undergo a notable Swinging.
1688		T. Shadwell Squire of Alsatia V i: You must arrest her on a Swinging Action, which she cannot get Bail for.
1725		New Canting Dict. n.p.: Here, Prigg, to your easy Swinging; said over a Farewell Glass to a Rogue going to be hang’d, by his Comrogues.
1838		‘Nights At Sea’ in Bentley’s Misc. Apr. 5895: I’m thinking swinging’s too good for you.
1883		R.L. Stevenson Treasure Island (1979) 75: Gentlemen of furtune [...] lives rough, and they risk swinging, but they eat and drink like fighting-cocks.
1901		Norfold Wkly News (NE) 7 June 7/1: They gave Blakey the first swingin an wuz adjustin the grass rope to Gus’ neck when [etc].