swine Meaning, Definition & Usage

Swine noun singular & plural

Etymology

OE. swin, AS. swin; akin to OFries. & OS. swin, D. zwijn, G. schwein, OHG. swin, Icel. svin, Sw. svin, Dan. sviin, Goth. swein; originally a diminutive corresponding to E. sow. See Sow, n.

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.)Any animal of the hog kind, especially one of the domestical species. Swine secrete a large amount of subcutaneous fat, which, when extracted, is known as lard. The male is specifically called boar, the female, sow, and the young, pig. See Hog. "A great herd of swine." Mark v. 11.