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sain

American  
[sayn] / seɪn /

verb (used with object)

Archaic.
  1. to make the sign of the cross on, as for protection against evil influences.

  2. to bless.


sain British  
/ seɪn /

verb

  1. archaic (tr) to make the sign of the cross over so as to bless or protect from evil or sin

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of sain

before 900; Middle English; Old English segnian (cognate with German segnen to bless) < Late Latin signāre to sign with the cross


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“I consist of — and I think we all do — I consist of two people: Dolores and Conchita,” Rivera sain in an interview with the AP that year.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 30, 2024

So what with hepe and what with crok Thei make here maister ofte winne And wol noght knowe what is sinne For coveitise, and thus, men sain, Thei maken many a fals bargain.

From Confessio Amantis, or, Tales of the Seven Deadly Sins by G. C. (George Campbell) Macaulay

God sain him! we could have better spared another man....

From Gilian The Dreamer His Fancy, His Love and Adventure by Neil Munro

Be it lad, or be it lass, Sign wi' cross, and sain wi' mass.

From Guy Mannering by Sir Walter Scott

Whilom full many of them were in my chain Ytied; and now, what for unwieldy age And unlust, they may not to love attain: And sain that "Love is but very dotage!"

From Fifteenth Century Prose and Verse by Various

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