swainish

== English == === Etymology === From swain +‎ -ish. === Adjective === swainish (comparative more swainish, superlative most swainish) Pertaining to, or resembling, a swain according to any definition; but commonly conveying the sense of "ignorant", or "rustic". 1819 Thomas Campbell, Specimens of the British Poets - Volume 6 Falconer's characters are few; but the calm sagacious commander, and the rough obstinate Rodmond, are well contrasted. Some part of the love-story of Palemon is rather swainish and protracted, yet the effect of his being involved in the calamity, leaves a deeper sympathy in the mind for the daughter of Albert, when we conceive her at once deprived both of a father and a lover. ==== Usage notes ==== Rarely used except when quoting Milton. ==== Related terms ==== swainishness === References === “swainish”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.