I. ˈswi-vəl noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English; akin to Old English swīfan to revolve, Old High German swebōn to roll, heave
Date: 14th century
: a device joining two parts so that one or both can pivot freely (as on a bolt or pin)
II. verb
( -eled or -elled ; -el·ing or swiv·el·ling ˈswi-və-liŋ, ˈswiv-liŋ)
Date: 1775
transitive verb
: to turn on or as if on a swivel
swivel ed his eyes in various directions
intransitive verb
: to swing or turn on or as if on a swivel