Swain (?), n. [OE. swain, swein, Icel. sveinn a boy, servant; akin to Sw. sven, Dan. svend, AS. swan, OHG. swein.]

1.

A servant.

[Obs.]

Him behoves serve himself that has no swain. Chaucer.

2.

A young man dwelling in the country; a rustic; esp., a cuntry gallant or lover; -- chiefly in poetry.

It were a happy life To be no better than a homely swain. Shak.

Blest swains! whose nymphs in every grace excel. Pope.

 

© Webster 1913.

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