Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

gaine

noun
\ˈgān\
plural -s

Definition of gaine 

1 : the part of a term or similar support below a sculptured bust or head commonly in the form of a quadrangular pillar diminishing toward the base

2 : the term-shaped lower part or body of a caryatid

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for gaine

French, literally, sheath, from Old French, from Latin vagina

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about gaine

Dictionary Entries near gaine

gaily

gain

gaincope

gaine

Gaines

gainest

Gainesville

Statistics for gaine

Look-up Popularity

Comments on gaine

What made you want to look up gaine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

mawkish

exaggeratedly or childishly emotional

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Add Diction

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games