Swingdevil

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Swift \Swift\, n.
     1. The current of a stream. [R.] --Walton.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of small, long-winged,
        insectivorous birds of the family {Micropodidae}. In form


        and habits the swifts resemble swallows, but they are
        destitute of complex vocal muscles and are not singing
        birds, but belong to a widely different group allied to
        the humming birds.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The common European swift ({Cypselus apus} syn.
           {Micropus apus}) nests in church steeples and under the
           tiles of roofs, and is noted for its rapid flight and
           shrill screams. It is called also {black martin},
           {black swift}, {hawk swallow}, {devil bird},
           {swingdevil}, {screech martin}, and {shriek owl}. The
           common American, or chimney, swift ({Chaetura
           pelagica}) has sharp rigid tips to the tail feathers.
           It attaches its nest to the inner walls of chimneys,
           and is called also {chimney swallow}. The Australian
           swift ({Chaetura caudacuta}) also has sharp naked tips
           to the tail quills. The European Alpine swift
           ({Cypselus melba}) is whitish beneath, with a white
           band across the breast. The common Indian swift is
           {Cypselus affinis}. See also {Palm swift}, under
           {Palm}, and {Tree swift}, under {Tree}.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Zool.) Any one of several species of lizards, as the pine
        lizard.
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     4. (Zool.) The ghost moth. See under {Ghost}.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     5. [Cf. {Swivel}.] A reel, or turning instrument, for winding
        yarn, thread, etc.; -- used chiefly in the plural.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     6. The main card cylinder of a flax-carding machine.
        [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Swingdevil \Swing"dev`il\, n. (Zool.) [So named from its swift
     flight and dark color, which give it an uncanny appearance.]
     The European swift. [Prov. Eng.]
     [1913 Webster]