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fain

 - 3 dictionary results

fain

  [feyn]
–adverb
1. gladly; willingly: He fain would accept.
–adjective
2. content; willing: They were fain to go.
3. Archaic. constrained; obliged: He was fain to obey his Lord.
4. Archaic. glad; pleased.
5. Archaic. desirous; eager.
Use fain in a Sentence
Origin:
bef. 900; ME; OE fæg(e)n; c. ON feginn happy; akin to fair 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To fain
fain   (fān)   
adv.  

  1. Happily; gladly: "I would fain improve every opportunity to wonder and worship, as a sunflower welcomes the light" (Henry David Thoreau).

  2. Archaic Preferably; rather.

adj.   Archaic

  1. Ready; willing.

  2. Pleased; happy.

  3. Obliged or required.


[Middle English, from Old English fægen, joyful, glad.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

fain 
O.E. fægen, fagen "glad, cheerful, happy," from a common Gmc. root (cf. O.N. feginn "glad," O.H.G. faginon, Goth. faginon "to rejoice").
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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