2. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small,
long-winged, insectivorous birds of the family
{Micropodid[ae]}. 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.
Note: The common European swift ({Cypselus, or 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 {shreik owl}. The common
American, or chimney, swift ({Ch[ae]tura 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 ({Ch[ae]tura
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}.
3. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several species of lizards, as the
pine lizard.
4. (Zo["o]l.) The ghost moth. See under {Ghost}.
5. [Cf. {Swivel}.] A reel, or turning instrument, for winding
yarn, thread, etc.; -- used chiefly in the plural.
6. The main card cylinder of a flax-carding machine.