swanˈ-maiden noun

(in Germanic folklore) a maiden who can become a swan by putting on her feather-garment

swanˈ-mark noun

The notch made on the swan's upper mandible, as a mark of ownership

swanˈ-mussel noun

A large freshwater mussel

swan neck noun

An S-shaped bend or piece

swansˈ-down or swansˈdown noun

1. The under-plumage of a swan
2. A soft woollen or mixed cloth
3. A thick cotton with a soft nap on one side

swanˈ-shot noun

A shot of large size, like buckshot

swanˈskin or swanˈ-skin noun

1. The unplucked skin of a swan
2. A soft, nappy, fine-twilled fabric

swanˈsong or swan song noun

1. The fabled song of a swan just before its death
2. A writer's or musician's last work
3. One's last work or final appearance

swanˈ-upping noun

An annual expedition up the Thames for the marking of young swans belonging to the Dyers' and Vintners' Companies (those belonging to the crown being unmarked) (see up vt)

swan about or around (informal)

To move about aimlessly, or gracefully

swan in or up (informal)

To arrive, either aimlessly or gracefully

swan off (informal)

To wander off, or depart, in a nonchalant, relaxed or oblivious manner