noun the forward shroud of a lower mast.
2. swifter ·vt to tighten, as slack standing rigging, by bringing the opposite shrouds nearer.
3. swifter ·noun a rope used to encircle a boat longitudinally, to strengthen and defend her sides.
4. swifter ·noun a rope used to retain the bars of the capstan in their sockets while men are turning it.