Category:Swain

Swain, n. Etym: [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.