swain

noun \ˈswān\

: a man who is a woman's lover

Full Definition of SWAIN

: rustic, peasant; specifically : shepherd

: a male admirer or suitor

— swain·ish \ˈswā-nish\ adjective

— swain·ish·ness noun

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Middle English swein boy, servant, from Old Norse sveinn; akin to Old English swān swain, Latin suus one's own — more at suicide

First Known Use: 14th century

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