swan
n. · v.-
1 the bird (n.) A2 Elementarya large, usually white bird with a very long neck that lives on rivers and lakes.
a large, long-necked waterfowl of the genus Cygnus, typically possessing white plumage in adulthood.
ExampleA family of white swans swam slowly across the lake behind the park.
ExampleThe mute swan is a common sight on European waterways, easily identified by its curved neck and orange bill with a black base.
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2 to move idly or showily (v.) C1 Advanced British English Informalto travel or move around in a relaxed way, often making others feel you are lucky or important.
to move or travel in an aimless, idle, or ostentatiously casual manner. Intransitive and often carries a disapproving tone.
ExampleShe spent the whole summer swanning around Europe while we were stuck at work.
ExampleHe has a habit of swanning into the office late, acting as though his presence alone is a significant contribution to the team's productivity.
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3 to declare (v.) C2 Proficiency American English Dialect Archaican old-fashioned way to say 'I promise' or 'I declare'.
to declare or swear; used primarily in the first-person present as a mild intensive. Dialectal and increasingly rare.
ExampleWell, I swan, I never expected to see you in this part of town.
ExampleThe elderly farmer looked at the ruined crop and muttered, 'I swan, I've never seen a storm do that much damage in ten minutes.'