Swift (sw ft), Jonathan 1667-1745. Irish-born English writer known for his satirical works, including Gulliver's Travels (1726) and A Modest Proposal (1729). |
| swift (swft) adj. swift·er, swift·est 1. Moving or capable of moving with great speed; fast. See Synonyms at fast1. 2. Coming, occurring, or accomplished quickly; instant: a swift retort. 3. Quick to act or react; prompt: swift to take steps. adv. Swiftly. Often used in combination: swift-running. n. 1. a. A cylinder on a carding machine. b. A reel used to hold yarn as it is being wound off. 2. Any of various small dark insect-eating birds of the family Apodidae, related to the hummingbirds and noted for their long strong wings and swift flight. 3. Any of various small, fast-moving North American lizards of the genera Sceloporus and Uta. [Middle English, from Old English.] swift  ly adv.swift ness n. |
swifter [ˈswɪftə]
n
(Transport / Nautical Terms) Nautical a line run around the ends of capstan bars to prevent their falling out of their sockets
[related to the nautical term swift to fasten with tight-drawn ropes; probably Scandinavian in origin: compare Old Norse svipta to reef]
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