Swift

[compar. SWIFTER; superl. SWIFTEST.] [A-S. swift, from swiftan, to move quickly, to whirl, to wander, Icel. svīfa, to be moved, Sw. sväfva, Dan. sväve, O. H. Ger. sweibōn, N. H. Ger. schweben, D. zweven, to wave, hover. Cf. SWEEP.]

1. Moving a great distance, or over a large space, in a short time; moving with celerity or velocity; fleet; rapid; quick; speedy.
2. Ready; prompt.

My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. James i. 19. 3. Coming without delay; speedy. There shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 Pet. ii. 1. ☞ Swift is sometimes used in the formation of self-explaining compounds; as, swift-darting, swift-footed, swift-heeled, swift-paced, swift-winged, and the like. Syn.—Quick; fleet; speedy; nimble; rapid; expeditious.

n. 1. The current of a stream. [R.] Walton.

2. A reel, or turning instrument, for winding yarn, thread, &c.; — used chiefly in the plural.
3. (Ornith.) A small bird (Cypselus apus), like the swallow, but having a shorter bill without lateral bristles, and having very long wings. It is found in America, Europe, and Africa.

☞ The chimney-swallow of the United States is a true swift, Chætura (or Cypselus) pelasgia. 4. (Zoöl.) The common newt or eft; a species of lizard.