Swift

1. The ghost moth. See under Ghost.
2. Of short continuance; passing away quickly.
3. A reel, or turning instrument, for winding yarn, thread, etc.; -- used chiefly in the plural.
4. 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.
5. Moving a great distance in a short time; moving with celerity or velocity; fleet; rapid; quick; speedy; prompt.
6. The main card cylinder of a flax-carding machine.
7. Any one of several species of lizards, as the pine lizard.
8. The current of a stream.
9. Swiftly.