v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. (often foll. by down) descend rapidly like a bird of prey.
2 intr. (often foll. by on) make a sudden attack from a distance.
3 tr. (often foll. by up) colloq. snatch the whole of at one swoop.
--n. a swooping or snatching movement or action.
Phrases and idioms:
at (or in) one fell swoop see FELL(4).
Etymology: perh. dial. var. of obs. swope f. OE swapan: see SWEEP