adjective
fain
Obliged by circumstances to do something.
With the bridge closed, they were fain to turn back.
Etymology
Fain originally meant glad or willing. In expressions such as would fain and be fain to, willingness could become acceptance of what circumstances left as the available course.
More examples
- He was fain to accept the only available shelter.
- The exhausted party was fain to abandon the climb.
- She was fain to make do with the materials at hand.
Forms
fain