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Swift   /swɪft/   Listen
adjective
Swift  adj.  (compar. swifter; superl. swiftest)  
1.
Moving a great distance in a short time; moving with celerity or velocity; fleet; rapid; quick; speedy; prompt. "My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." "Swift of dispatch and easy of access." "And bring upon themselves swift destruction."
2.
Of short continuance; passing away quickly. Note: Swift is often used in the formation of compounds which are generally self-explaining; as, swift-darting, swift-footed, swift-winged, etc.
Synonyms: Quick; fleet; speedy; rapid; expeditious.



noun
Swift  n.  
1.
The current of a stream. (R.)
2.
(Zool.) Any one of numerous species of small, long-winged, insectivorous birds of the family Micropodidae. In form and habits the swifts resemble swallows, but they are destitute of complex vocal muscles and are not singing birds, but belong to a widely different group allied to the humming birds. Note: The common European swift (Cypselus apus syn. Micropus apus) nests in church steeples and under the tiles of roofs, and is noted for its rapid flight and shrill screams. It is called also black martin, black swift, hawk swallow, devil bird, swingdevil, screech martin, and shriek owl. The common American, or chimney, swift (Chaetura pelagica) has sharp rigid tips to the tail feathers. It attaches its nest to the inner walls of chimneys, and is called also chimney swallow. The Australian swift (Chaetura caudacuta) also has sharp naked tips to the tail quills. The European Alpine swift (Cypselus melba) is whitish beneath, with a white band across the breast. The common Indian swift is Cypselus affinis. See also Palm swift, under Palm, and Tree swift, under Tree.
3.
(Zool.) Any one of several species of lizards, as the pine lizard.
4.
(Zool.) The ghost moth. See under Ghost.
5.
A reel, or turning instrument, for winding yarn, thread, etc.; used chiefly in the plural.
6.
The main card cylinder of a flax-carding machine.



adverb
Swift  adv.  Swiftly. (Obs. or Poetic) "Ply swift and strong the oar."






Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48








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"Swift" Quotes from Famous Books



... is well known, was revived by Dr. Swift, in the ministry of Oxford; but it has never since been publickly mentioned, though, at that time, great expectations were formed, by some, of its establishment and its effects. Such a society might, perhaps, without much difficulty, be collected; but that it would produce what is expected from ...
— Lives of the Poets, Vol. 1 • Samuel Johnson

... "is the spot. I cannot dig, for I have not learned to use such instruments; but, for your own sake, I beseech you to be swift ...
— The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 5 (of 25) • Robert Louis Stevenson

... Thus comes the English with full power vpon vs, And more then carefully it vs concernes, To answer Royally in our defences. Therefore the Dukes of Berry and of Britaine, Of Brabant and of Orleance, shall make forth, And you Prince Dolphin, with all swift dispatch To lyne and new repayre our Townes of Warre With men of courage, and with meanes defendant: For England his approaches makes as fierce, As Waters to the sucking of a Gulfe. It fits vs then to be as prouident, As feare may teach vs, out of late examples Left by the ...
— The First Folio [35 Plays] • William Shakespeare

... through with the mouse and wren. Next Spring A blackbird or a robin will nest there, Accustomed to them, thinking they will remain Whatever is for ever to a bird. This Spring it is too late; the swift has come, 'Twas a hot day for carrying them up: Better they will never warm me, though they must Light several Winters' fires. Before they are done The war will have ended, many other things Have ended, maybe, that I can no more ...
— Modern British Poetry • Various

... in the patently forced conversation I heard footsteps upon the cobbles outside. Hawkins and the landlord exchanged a swift glance, and then to my surprise they both stared at me questioningly. Before a word could be exchanged, however, and before I had time even to surmise what this covert uneasiness might portend, a young fellow entered whose carriage and ...
— The Green Eyes of Bast • Sax Rohmer


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