Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Swift \Swift\, a. [Compar. {Swifter}; superl. {Swiftest}.] [AS.
   swift; akin to sw[=a]pan to sweep, swipu a whip; cf.
   sw[=i]fan to move quickly, to revolve. See {Swoop}, v. i.,
   and cf. {Swivel}, {Squib}.]
   1. Moving a great distance in a short time; moving with
      celerity or velocity; fleet; rapid; quick; speedy; prompt.

            My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear,
            slow to speak, slow to wrath.         --James i. 19.

            Swift of dispatch and easy of access. --Dryden.

            And bring upon themselves swift destruction. --2
                                                  Pet. ii. 1.

   2. Of short continuance; passing away quickly. --Shak.

   Note: 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.

Swifter \Swift"er\, n. [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.

Swifter \Swift"er\, v. t. (Naut.)
   To tighten, as slack standing rigging, by bringing the
   opposite shrouds nearer.