Noah Webster
Sudden
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.]