Etymology Map
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Swain

3 stages from Old Norse to English.

Today it means a young lover or suitor; a country youth

Where does the word "swain" come from? It comes from Old Norse sveinn, passing through Old English before entering English (1580s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
sveinn
Old Norse · medieval
"boy, servant"
a boy or servant
2
Stage 2 of 3
swān
Old English · 1000s
"herdsman, servant"
borrowed from Norse settlers; 'boatswain' and 'coxswain' keep the sense of servant
3
Stage 3 of 3
swain
English · 1580s
"young suitor"
pastoral poets made the country youth a lover
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Read the full story

Swain’s story begins in Old Norse: sveinn meant “boy, servant.” A boy or servant. By 1000s, the word had taken hold in Old English as swān. Borrowed from Norse settlers; 'boatswain' and 'coxswain' keep the sense of servant. It reached English by 1580s as swain. Pastoral poets made the country youth a lover. Today, swain means a young lover or suitor; a country youth.