Swan

Mentioned in the list of unclean birds (Lev. 11:18; Deut. 14:16), is sometimes met with in the Jordan and the Sea of Galilee.

(Heb. tinshemeth), thus rendered by the Authorized Version in (Leviticus 11:18; 14:16) where it occurs in the list of unclean birds Rut either of the renderings “porphyrio” (purple water-hen) and “ibis” is more probable. Neither of these birds occurs elsewhere in the catalogue; both would be familiar to residents in Egypt, and the original seems to point to some water-fowl. The purple water-hen is allied to our corn-crake and water-hen, and is the largest and most beautiful of the family Rallidae . It frequents marshes and the sedge by the banks of rivers in all the countries bordering on the Mediterranean and is abundant in lower Egypt.

SWAN. This bird is mentioned only in Lev 11:18; Deut 14:16, and there as unclean. The swan is very rare in the Levant, while there seems to be no reason why it should not be eaten. It is possible that the sacred ibis, once abundant in Egypt may be meant, or the purple gallinule. Either of these birds might naturally be forbidden as food, from its unclean diet, and the former, also, as connected with idolatry.

SWAN. This bird is mentioned only in Lev 11:18; Deut 14:16, and there as unclean. The swan is very rare in the Levant, while there seems to be no reason why it should not be eaten. It is possible that the sacred ibis, once abundant in Egypt may be meant, or the purple gallinule. Either of these birds might naturally be forbidden as food, from its unclean diet, and the former, also, as connected with idolatry. SWEAR Ps 15:4. See Oath.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. Any one of numerous species of large aquatic birds belonging to Cygnus, Olor, and allied genera of the subfamily Cygninæ. They have a large and strong beak and a long neck, and are noted for their graceful movements when swimming. Most of the northern species are white. In literature the swan was fabled to sing a melodious song, especially at the time of its death.

2. Fig.: An appellation for a sweet singer, or a poet noted for grace and melody; as Shakespeare is called the swan of Avon.

3. The constellation Cygnus. Swan goose (Zoöl.), a bird of India (Cygnopsis cygnoides) resembling both the swan and the goose. -- Swan shot, a large size of shot used in fowling.