adj., adv., & n.
--adj.
1. quick, rapid; soon coming or passing.
2 speedy, prompt (a swift response; was swift to act).
--adv. (archaic except in comb.) swiftly (swift-moving).
--n.
1. any swift-flying insect-eating bird of the family Apodidae, with long wings and a superficial resemblance to a swallow.
2 a revolving frame for winding yarn etc. from.
Derivatives:
swiftly adv. swiftness n.
Etymology: OE, rel. to swifan move in a course