Swain (?), n. [OE. swain, swein, Icel. sveinn a boy, servant; akin to Sw. sven, Dan. svend, AS. swan, 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.
© Webster 1913.