a. [f. SWAIN + -ISH1.] Resembling or characteristic of a swain or rustic; rustic, boorish. Also, of the nature of a rustic lover or rustic love-making. Hence Swainishness, boorishness.
1642. Milton, Apol. Smect., Wks. 1851, III. 270. [It] argues both a grosse and shallow judgement, and withall an ungentle, and swainish breast. Ibid. (1645), Colast., ibid. IV. 362. Ignorant and swainish mindes.
1819. T. Campbell, Spec. Brit. Poets, VI. 99. Some part of the love-story of Palemon is rather swainish.
1840. Tait’s Mag., VII. 54. Edwin is a sentimental and swainish chap.
1854. Emerson, Social Aims, Wks. (Bohn), III. 181. Swainish, morose people, who must be kept down and quieted as you would those who are a little tipsy; others, who are not only swainish, but are prompt to take oath that swainishness is the only culture.
