Swift , n.
1. The current of a
stream. [R.]
Walton. 2. (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of small, long-winged, insectivorous birds of the family Micropodidæ. 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. &fist; The common European swift (Cypselus, or 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 shreik owl. The common American, or chimney, swift (Chætura 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 (Chætura 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. (Zoöl.) Any one of several species of lizards, as the pine lizard. 4. (Zoöl.) The ghost moth. See under Ghost. 5. [Cf. Swivel.] 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.
Swift , adv. Swiftly. [Obs. or Poetic] Shak. Ply swift and strong the oar.
Southey.
Swift (?), a.
[Compar. Swifter (?);
superl. Swiftest.] [AS.
swift; akin to swāpan to sweep, swipu a whip; cf. swīfan to move
quickly, to revolve. See Swoop, v. i., and cf. Swivel, Squib.]
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. James i. 19. Swift of dispatch and easy of access. Dryden.
And bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 Pet. ii. 1. 2. Of short continuance; passing away quickly.
Shak. &fist; Swift is often used in the formation of compounds which are generally self-explaining; as, swift-darting, swift-footed, swift-winged, etc.
Syn. -- Quick; fleet; speedy; rapid; expeditious.
Quotes From Classical Literature on 'swift'You can hear pronunciation of the quotes if you click on  . The sound files tend to be pretty big.
 demanding that Mr. Johnson be promptly expelled from office by
the Senate-- and it had become apparent, long before the taking of
the vote, that absolute, swift , and ignominious expulsion from
office awaited every Republican Senator who should dare to
disregard that demand.
Under these conditions it was but natural that during the
trial, and especially as the close approached, the streets of
two kinds of music in a new school of French poetry, to make verse which
should scan and rhyme as well, to search out and harmonise the measure
of every syllable, and unite it to the swift , flitting, swallow- like
motion of rhyme, to penetrate their poetry with a double music-- this was
the ambition of the Pleiad. They are insatiable of music, they cannot
have enough of it; they desire a music of greater compass perhaps than
words can possibly yield, to drain out the last drops of sweetness which
a certain note or accent contains.
Not being tryed, and tutord in the world:
Experience is by industry atchieu' d,
And perfected by the swift course of time:
Then tell me, whether were I best to send him?
Pan. I thinke your Lordship is not ignorant
How his companion, youthfull Valentine,
Attends the Emperour in his royall Court
Then rose a yell of baffled hate, and sprang
Headlong the savages in swift pursuit;
Though speed the fugitives, they hope to hang
Hot on their heels, like wolves, with tireless foot.
Long is the chase; Brown hears with inward pang
The short, hard panting of his gallant steed
Beneath its double burden; vainly rang
In our deere perill
1 It requires swift foot.
Exeunt.
Enter two other Senators, with a Messenger.
exact must front the complicacies in a resolute piercing manner,
and will not be tedious. Nay a justice that is not moderately
swift ,-- human hearts waiting for it, the while, in a cancerous
state, instead of hopefully following their work,-- what,
comparatively, is the use of its being never so exact!--
Simple enough methods; rough and ready. Needing, in the execution,
clear human eyesight, clear human honesty,-- which happen to be
This site was used  times.
|
