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