4 entries 1 source
Swarm
Open directlyWebster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 1 of 4
Part of speech: noun (n.)
1. A large number or mass of small animals or insects, especially when in motion. "A deadly swarm of hornets." Milton.
2. Especially, a great number of honeybees which emigrate from a hive at once, and seek new lodgings under the direction of a queen; a like body of bees settled permanently in a hive. "A swarm of bees." Chaucer.
3. Hence, any great nimber or multitude, as of people in motion, or sometimes of inanimate objects; as, a swarm of meteorites. Those prodigious swarms that had settled themselves in every part of it [Italy]. Addison.
Synonyms: Multitude; crowd; throng.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 2 of 4
Part of speech: verb (v.)
To climb a tree, pole, or the like, by embracing it with the arms and legs alternately. See Shin. [Colloq.] At the top was placed a piece of money, as a prize for those who could swarm up and seize it. W. Coxe.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 3 of 4
Part of speech: verb (v.)
1. To collect, and depart from a hive by flight in a body; -- said of bees; as, bees swarm in warm, clear days in summer.
2. To appear or collect in a crowd; to throng together; to congregate in a multitude. Chaucer.
3. To be crowded; to be thronged with a multitude of beings in motion. Every place swarms with soldiers. Spenser.
4. To abound; to be filled (with). Atterbury.
5. To breed multitudes. Not so thick swarmed once the soil Bedropped with blood of Gorgon. Milton.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 4 of 4
Part of speech: verb (v.)
To crowd or throng. Fanshawe.