from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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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