Swain (?), n. [OE. swain, swein, Icel. sveinn a boy, servant; akin to Sw. sven, Dan. svend, AS. swān, OHG. swein.] 1. A servant.
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.