First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
swain
noun \ˈswān\
: a man who is a woman's lover
Full Definition of SWAIN
2
: a male admirer or suitor
— swain·ish \ˈswā-nish\ adjective
— swain·ish·ness noun
See swain defined for English-language learners
See swain defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SWAIN
Middle English swein boy, servant, from Old Norse sveinn; akin to Old English swān swain, Latin suus one's own — more at suicide
Learn More About SWAIN
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up swain? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).