| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
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The officer who has charge of the boats, sails, rigging, anchors, cordage, cables, and colours. Swain is the Saxon swein (a boy, servant), Swedish sven. Hence, a shepherd is a swain, and a sweetheart is a woman’s servant or swain. | 1 |
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Boatswain. The name of Byron’s favourite dog, buried in Newstead Abbey garden. | 2 |
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