I. ˈswivəl noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English swivel, swevill; akin to Old English swīfan to revolve, wend, sweep, Old High German sweibōn, swebēn to move freely, Middle High German swibelen to reel, waver, Old Norse svīfa to ramble, drift, turn, sveifla to swing in a circle, Middle Low German swāien to sway — more at sway
1. : a part that pivots freely on or as if on a headed bolt or pin: as
a. : a compound chain link having one end that turns on a headed bolt or pin
b. : a loom attachment made for guiding additional shuttles over limited areas and used in weaving small spot designs, especially dots
c. : a part of the toolhead of a machine (as a planer, shaper, or radial drill) that can be rotated and clamped so as to hold the tool at a desired angle
d. : a swivel connection placed between the hose from the slush pumps and the drill stem in rotary drilling
e. : a revolving link used on terminal tackle to prevent twisting of a fishing line
2. : swivel gun
II. verb
( swiveled or swivelled ; swiveled or swivelled ; swiveling or swivelling -v(ə)liŋ ; swivels )
transitive verb
1. : to turn on or as if on a swivel
swivel one's eyes in various directions
2. : to provide with or secure by a swivel
intransitive verb
: to swing or turn on or as if on a swivel
swiveled around in his chair to face the door
an odd gust swiveled around the corner — Liam O'Flaherty