swain Definition
- 1a young man who is a lover or suitor
- 2a country youth
- 3a male admirer or sweetheart
Using swain: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "swain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The swain brought flowers to his beloved.
Example
She was courted by many swains in her youth.
Example
The swain was a skilled farmer.
Example
He was her faithful swain for many years.
swain Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for swain
Phrases with swain
country swain
a young man from the countryside, often depicted as simple and honest
Example
The novel's protagonist is a country swain who falls in love with a city girl.
behavior characteristic of a young man who is a lover or suitor, often used in a derogatory way
Example
His swainish behavior was not appreciated by the women he pursued.
an assembly of swains or countrymen, especially in medieval England
Example
The swainmote was held to discuss issues related to farming and land use.
Origins of swain
from Old Norse 'sveinn', meaning 'boy, servant'
Summary: swain in Brief
The term 'swain' [sweɪn] refers to a young man who is a lover or suitor, often depicted as a country youth. It can also refer to a male admirer or sweetheart. Examples include 'The swain brought flowers to his beloved.' and 'The swain was a skilled farmer.' 'Swain' extends into phrases like 'country swain,' denoting a young man from the countryside, and 'swainish behavior,' referring to behavior characteristic of a young man who is a lover or suitor.
