Swain \Swain\, n. [OE. swain, swein, Icel. sveinn a boy, servant; akin to Sw. sven, Dan. svend, AS. sw[=a]n, 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)