Swans, noun
- Forms:
- Also SWANS.
Acronym formed on South African Women’s Auxiliary Naval Service, denoting this unit, or its members collectively; without the -s, a member of this unit. Also attributive.
1973 A.M. McGregor in Std Encycl. of Sn Afr. VIII. 116The Swans..enabled many young men who had been on shore jobs to be drafted to sea.
1979 Martin & Orpen S. Afr. at War 287On 9 October 1943 the SWANS was established with a total establishment of 281...There was only one SWAN officer allowed.