fain
(chiefly UK, dialectal, or poetic) Glad, well-pleased.
[F]ine words to make foolish maidens fain. But do not excuse it; it is your country-fashion, and we know how to treat it as such.
(chiefly UK, dialectal, or poetic) Glad, contented, or satisfied to do something in the absence of a better alternative.
(chiefly UK, dialectal, or poetic, by extension) Compelled or obliged to.
For God shall cast upon him, and not spare: he would fain flee out of his hand.
(obsolete) Favorable, well-disposed.
(obsolete) Accustomed, apt, wont.
(archaic or obsolete) With joy or pleasure; gladly.
She who would fain give the starry worlds to the object of her affection—it is a fine and beautiful pride which makes her shrink from aught of benefit from him.
(archaic or obsolete) By choice or will; willingly.
See now, I will for the second time bathe me in this living bath. Fain would I add to my beauty and my length of days if that be possible.
Such an episode in the Island's grand naval story her naval historians naturally abridge; one of them (G.P.R. James) candidly acknowledging that fain would he pass it over did not "impartiality forbid fastidiousness."
For to tell you truth, I love him [Jesus], because I was by him eased of my burden, and I am weary of my inward sickness; I would fain be where I shall die no more, and with the Company that shall continually cry Holy, Holy, Holy.
Now would I giue a thousand furlongs of Sea, for an Acre of barren ground: Long heath, Browne firrs, any thing; the wills aboue be done, but I would faine dye a dry death.
(archaic or obsolete, rare) To be delighted or glad about (someone or something); to rejoice in; also, to favor or prefer (someone or something).
(obsolete) To make (someone) glad; to gladden; hence, to congratulate (someone); to welcome (someone).
(Germanic paganism) To celebrate or worship; specifically, to offer an oblation which is not a sacrificial blót (ceremonial offering).
(obsolete) To be delighted or glad; to rejoice.
(obsolete) To desire, to wish.