I. ˈswiftə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: swift (IV) + -er
1. : the forward or after shroud of a lower mast — see ship illustration
2. : a rope confining the capstan bars in their sockets while the capstan is being turned
3. : a rope encircling a boat or ship longitudinally to strengthen or protect the sides
II. transitive verb
( swiftered ; swiftered ; swiftering -t(ə)riŋ ; swifters )
: to tauten, secure, or protect with a swifter or other line ; specifically : to tauten (slack standing rigging) by bringing the shrouds closer together with a swiftering line — often used with in
swifter in the shrouds
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: swift (III) + -er
: a worker at a swift (sense 2) ; especially : winder