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fain

   Also found in: Wikipedia 0.02 sec.
fain  (fn)
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.]
fain
Adverb
Old-fashioned gladly or willingly [Old English fægen]
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Adj.1.fain - having made preparations; "prepared to take risks"
disposed, prepared, inclined
willing - disposed or inclined toward; "a willing participant"; "willing helpers"
Adv.1.fain - in a willing manner; "this was gladly agreed to"; "I would fain do it"
gladly, lief
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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
The port would fain give succor; the port is pitiful; in the port is safety, comfort, hearthstone, supper, warm blankets, friends, all that's kind to our mortalities.
Moby Dick I-LXVII by Melville, Herman View in context
I would fain linger yet with a few of those among whom I have so long moved, and share their happiness by endeavouring to depict it.
Oliver Twist Or The Parish Boy's Progress by Dickens, Charles View in context
I fain would take the zither, By some stray fancy led; But there are none to hear me, And who can charm the dead?
A Lute of Jade by Cranmer-Byng, L. View in context
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