black swift

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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