Swift \Swift\ (sw[i^]ft), a. [Compar. Swifter
   (sw[i^]ft"[~e]r); superl. Swiftest.] [AS. swift; akin to
   sw[=a]pan to sweep, swipu a whip; cf. sw[imac]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.
      [1913 Webster]

            My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear,
            slow to speak, slow to wrath.         --James i. 19.
      [1913 Webster]

            Swift of dispatch and easy of access. --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

            And bring upon themselves swift destruction. --2
                                                  Pet. ii. 1.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Of short continuance; passing away quickly. --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: Swift is often used in the formation of compounds which
         are generally self-explaining; as, swift-darting,
         swift-footed, swift-winged, etc.
         [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Quick; fleet; speedy; rapid; expeditious.
        [1913 Webster]

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.
          [1913 Webster]

Swifter \Swift"er\, v. t. (Naut.)
   To tighten, as slack standing rigging, by bringing the
   opposite shrouds nearer.
   [1913 Webster]