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Webster 1913 Edition


Swifter

Swift′er

,
Noun.
[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.

Swift′er

,
Verb.
T.
(Naut.)
To tighten, as slack standing rigging, by bringing the opposite shrouds nearer.

Webster 1828 Edition


Swifter

SWIFT'ER

,
Noun.
In a ship, a rope used to confine the bars of the capstan in their sockets, while men are turning it; also, a rope used to encircle a boat longitudinally, to strengthen and defend her sides from the impulse of other boats. Swifters also are two shrouds fixed on the starboard and larboard sides of the lower masts, above all the other shrouds, to give the masts additional security.

SWIFT'ER

,
Verb.
T.
To stretch, as shrouds by tackles.

Definition 2024


swifter

swifter

English

Adjective

swifter

  1. comparative form of swift: more swift

Etymology 2

Compare swivel.

Noun

swifter (plural swifters)

  1. (nautical) A rope used to retain the bars of the capstan in their sockets while it is being turned.
  2. (nautical) A rope used to encircle a boat longitudinally, to strengthen and defend her sides.
  3. (nautical) The forward shroud of a lower mast.

Verb

swifter (third-person singular simple present swifters, present participle swiftering, simple past and past participle swiftered)

  1. (nautical, transitive) To tighten (e.g. slack standing rigging) by bringing the opposite shrouds nearer.