catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  Swift \Swift\, n.
     1. The current of a stream. [R.] --Walton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small,
        long-winged, insectivorous birds of the family
        Micropodid[ae]. 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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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 ({Ch[ae]tura
           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 ({Ch[ae]tura 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.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several species of lizards, as the
        pine lizard.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. (Zo["o]l.) The ghost moth. See under Ghost.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     5. [Cf. Swivel.] A reel, or turning instrument, for winding
        yarn, thread, etc.; -- used chiefly in the plural.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     6. The main card cylinder of a flax-carding machine.
        [1913 Webster]

  Swift \Swift\, n.
     1. The current of a stream. [R.] --Walton.
  
     2. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small,
        long-winged, insectivorous birds of the family
        Micropodid[ae]. 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, 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 ({Ch[ae]tura 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 ({Ch[ae]tura
           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. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several species of lizards, as the
        pine lizard.
  
     4. (Zo["o]l.) 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.