3  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Swift  \Swift\,  a.  [Compar.  {Swifter};  superl.  {Swiftest}.]  [AS. 
  swift;  akin  to  sw[=a]pan  to  sweep,  swipu  a  whip;  cf 
  sw[=i]fan  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. 
 
  Note:  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. 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Swifter  \Swift"er\,  n.  [Cf.  {Swivel}.]  (Naut.) 
  a  A  rope  used  to  retain  the  bars  of  the  capstan  in  their 
  sockets  while  men  are  turning  it 
  b  A  rope  used  to  encircle  a  boat  longitudinally,  to 
  strengthen  and  defend  her  sides. 
  c  The  forward  shroud  of  a  lower  mast. 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Swifter  \Swift"er\,  v.  t.  (Naut.) 
  To  tighten,  as  slack  standing  rigging,  by  bringing  the 
  opposite  shrouds  nearer. 

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