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
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comments
Improve this definition.
Browse dictionary definitions near swan
Share on Facebook