Swift is often used in the formation of compounds which are generally
self-explaining; as, swift-darting, swift-footed, swift-winged, etc.
Syn. -- Quick; fleet; speedy; rapid; expeditious.
Swift, adv. Swiftly. [Obs. or Poetic] Shak.
Ply swift and strong the oar.
Southey.
Swift, n. 1. The current of a stream. [R.] Walton.
2. (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of small, long-winged,
insectivorous birds of the family Micropodidæ. 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.
The common European swift (Cypselus, or 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 shreik owl.
The common American, or chimney, swift (Chætura 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 (Chætura 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.