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swan

swan¹ definition

swan (swän, swôn)

noun

pl. swans or swan any of several large-bodied, web-footed waterfowl (family Anatidae, esp. genus Cygnus) with a long, graceful neck and, typically, pure white feathers: swans are graceful swimmers and strong fliers
a person who resembles or is thought to resemble a swan in some way; sometimes, specif., a great poet or singer

Etymology: ME < OE, akin to Ger schwan < IE base *swen-, to sound, sing > L sonus, sound

intransitive verb

Brit., Informal to move slowly or majestically, with a calm, serene air

swan Idioms

the Swan

the constellation Cygnus

swan² definition

☆ swan (swän, swôn)

intransitive verb

Dialectal to swear: usually in the exclamation I swan!, used to express surprise, impatience, etc.

Etymology: < ? Brit dial. Is' wan, I'll warrant