swain

[ sweyn ]

noun

1. a male admirer or lover.
2. a country lad.
3. a country gallant.

swain

/ sweɪn /

noun

1. a male lover or admirer
2. a country youth

Derived Forms

• ˈswainish, adjective

Other Words From

• swainish adjective
• swainish·ness noun
• under·swain noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of swain¹

before 1150; Middle English swein servant < Old Norse sveinn boy, servant; cognate with Old English swān

Word History and Origins

Origin of swain¹

Old English swān swineherd; related to Old High German swein, Old Norse sveinn boy; see swine

Example Sentences

All five remain free on bail, at least until U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain sentences them in late July.

From The Daily Beast

Meanwhile, in Texas two days after the election, Mario Swain became the 13th person executed in the state this year.

From The Daily Beast

After two hearings in New York last week that were at times comic, Judge Swain fashioned a compromise.

From The Daily Beast

He turned to the foot-swain who stood at his side: “ Fetch hither five horse-whips,” King Valdemar cried.

From Project Gutenberg

The more costly the musical ingredients, the greater the swain's devotion!

From Project Gutenberg

Half-past eight oclock was the time appointed by Mary to see her swain, and the constables took care to be as punctual as he.

From Project Gutenberg

Before the House Mr. Swain spoke only under extraordinary emotion, and then he gained every ear.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Swain had bought the dwelling from an aged man with a history, dead some nine years back.

From Project Gutenberg