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swifter |
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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