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. 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. swanlike adj. & adv.
[ OE f. Gmc ]