Swain: meaning, definitions and examples

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swain

[ sweɪn ]

^{Context #1}

romantic

A young lover or suitor, especially one in the country. Swain is often used in poetry and old-fashioned literature to refer to a male admirer or sweetheart.

Synonyms

admirer, lover, suitor, sweetheart

Examples of usage

He was a handsome swain who courted her with flowers and love poems.
The swain knelt before his beloved, professing his undying love.

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historical

In medieval times, a swain was a young servant or farm laborer, often working for a lord or nobleman.

Synonyms

farmhand, laborer, servant

Examples of usage

The swains worked hard in the fields from dawn till dusk.
The young swain tended to the animals on the lord's estate.

Translations

Translations of the word "swain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 seduzir

🇮🇳 समझाना

🇩🇪 verführen

🇮🇩 merayu

🇺🇦 зваблювати

🇵🇱 uwodzić

🇯🇵 誘惑する (ゆうわくする)

🇫🇷 séduire

🇪🇸 seducir

🇹🇷 baştan çıkarmak

🇰🇷 유혹하다

🇸🇦 يغوي

🇨🇿 svádět

🇸🇰 zvádzať

🇨🇳 诱惑 (yòuhuò)

🇸🇮 zapeljevati

🇮🇸 tæla

🇰🇿 азғыру

🇬🇪 ცდუნება

🇦🇿 aldatmaq

🇲🇽 seducir

Word origin

The word 'swain' originated from Old English 'swēn', meaning boy or servant. Over time, it evolved to refer to a young lover or suitor, particularly in the context of romantic poetry and literature. The term has been used for centuries to depict the image of a charming and devoted admirer, embodying the ideals of courtly love and chivalry.