fain (adv.) Copy link • fain (adv.): i. e. gladly (q. v.): chiefly used in hypothetical sentences, implying that the thing wished for is not obtained: best expr. by a verb, as, I would f. you had leant to the Stoics, vellem tu ad Stoicos inclinavisses., Cic.: so the Ithacan would f. have it, hoc Ithacus velit, Virg.: I would f. it had not been done, nollem factum, Ter.: I would f. die, cupio mori, Ter.: I would f. hear, in faith! studeo, hercle, audire! Pl.: v. to wish.