nonce-wd. [f. SWAN sb. + -HOOD.] The condition of being a (full-grown) swan; in quot. 1857, of being a ‘swan’ as opposed to a ‘goose’ (see SWAN sb. 2 a).
1857. Trollope, Barchester T., xx. Clearly showing that Mr. Arabin had not yet proved his qualifications in swanhood to her satisfaction.
1888. Mag. of Art, Jan., 97. The cygnet is growing up to swanhood alone.
