fawn

views updated May 23 2018

fawn1 / fôn; fän/ • n. 1. a young deer in its first year.2. a light yellowish-brown color.• v. [intr.] (of a deer) produce young.fawn2 • v. [intr.] give a servile display of exaggerated flattery or affection, typically in order to gain favor or advantage: congressmen fawn over the President.DERIVATIVES: fawn·ing·ly adv.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

fawn

views updated May 29 2018

fawn2 (of a dog) show delight XIII; be servile XIV. ME. faunen repr. OE. fagnian, var. of fæġnian rejoice ( = OS., OHG. faganōn, ON. fagna, Goth. faginōn), f. fæġen FAIN.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

fawn

views updated May 11 2018

fawn1 young fallow deer. XIV. — (O)F. faon :- Rom. *fētō, -ōn-, f. fētus offspring.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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