swine

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English

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Etymology

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From Middle English swyn, swin, from Old English swīn, from Proto-West Germanic *swīn, from Proto-Germanic *swīną, from an adjectival form of Proto-Indo-European *suH- (pig). By surface analysis, sow +‎ -en.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /swaɪn/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -aɪn

Noun

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swine (plural swine or swines)

  1. (plural swine) A pig (the animal).
    The Zimmerman farm introduced swine to their husbandry.
  2. (derogatory) A contemptible person (plural swines).
  3. (slang, derogatory) A police officer; a "pig".
  4. (slang, derogatory) Something difficult or awkward; a pain.
    That old car is a swine to manoeuvre.

Usage notes

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In its literal sense, swine is often used, like cattle, as an uncountable plurale tantum: 200 head of swine.

Derived terms

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Translations

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See also

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Noun

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swine

  1. (archaic) plural of sow

Anagrams

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Middle English

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Noun

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swine

  1. Alternative form of swyn