swain

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[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Via Middle English swein from Old Norse sveinn, akin to Old English swān. From Proto-Germanic *swaina-, Proto-Germanic *swainaz (relative, young man, servant), from Proto-Indo-European *se- (aside, separated, apart).

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Noun

Singular
swain

Plural
swains

swain (plural swains)

  1. A servant. Originally the servant to a Knight, looking after his armaments and horse.
  2. A young man dwelling in the country; a rustic; esp., a country gallant or lover; — chiefly in poetry. Hence, the road name "Swains' Lane" can be translated to "Lovers' Lane".
  3. A boyfriend; a man who is the lover of a woman.

[edit] Anagrams