fawn
noun
- young deer, child of a doe
verb
- seek favor with
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /fɔːn/ / /fɔn/ / /fɑn/
adj
Etymology: From Middle English fawne, fowne, foun, from Old French faon, foon, feon, from Vulgar Latin *fētōnem, from Latin fētus (“offspring, young”), from Proto-Indo-European *dʰeh₁(y)- (“to suckle, nurse”). Displaced native Old English hindċealf (literally “deer calf”). Doublet of fetus.
- Of the fawn colour.
noun
Etymology: From Middle English fawnen, from Old English fagnian, alternative form of fæġnian (“to celebrate”), whence Middle English fainen, English fain. Cognate with Old Norse fagna. See also fain.
- A servile cringe or bow.
- Base flattery.
verb
Etymology: From Middle English fawnen, from Old English fagnian, alternative form of fæġnian (“to celebrate”), whence Middle English fainen, English fain. Cognate with Old Norse fagna. See also fain.
- To show devotion or submissiveness by wagging its tail, nuzzling, licking, etc.
- To exhibit affection toward someone.
- To attempt to please someone.
- To seek favour by flattery and obsequious behaviour.
“You showed your teeth like apes, and fawned like hounds.”
“Thou with trembling fear, / Or like a fawning parasite, obeyest.”