/sway"vee euhn/ , n.
1. a member of an ancient Germanic people of uncertain origin, mentioned in the writings of Caesar and Tacitus.
2. a member of a Germanic people that invaded France and Spain in the 5th century A.D.
adj.
3. of or pertaining to the Suevians.
[ 1610-20; Sueb ( i ), Suev ( i ) (of Gmc orig.; cf. G Schwaben, OE Swaefe ) + -IAN ]