Swift

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The current of a stream. [R.] Walton.

2. 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.

3. Any one of several species of lizards, as the pine lizard.

4. The ghost moth. See under Ghost.

5. A reel, or turning instrument, for winding yarn, thread, etc.; -- used chiefly in the plural.

6. The main card cylinder of a flax-carding machine.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

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.

Synonyms: Quick; fleet; speedy; rapid; expeditious.

Part of speech: adverb (adv.)

Swiftly. [Obs. or Poetic] Shak. Ply swift and strong the oar. Southey.