Swifter

n. (Naut.) (a.) A rope used to confine 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 from the impulse of other boats. (c.) A shroud fixed on the starboard and larboard sides of the lower masts, above all the other shrouds, to give the masts additional security. Totten.

v. t. (Naut.) To stretch, as shrouds by tackles.