n. & v.
--n.
1. a large water-bird of the genus Cygnus etc., having a long flexible neck, webbed feet, and in most species snow-white plumage.
2 literary a poet.
--v.intr. (swanned, swanning) (usu. foll. by about, off, etc.) colloq. move or go aimlessly or casually or with a superior air.
Phrases and idioms:
swan-dive US swallow-dive (see SWALLOW(2)). swan-neck a curved structure shaped like a swan's neck. Swan of Avon literary Shakespeare. swan-upping Brit. the annual taking up and marking of Thames swans.
Derivatives:
swanlike adj. & adv.
Etymology: OE f. Gmc