swivel
English edit
Etymology edit
From Middle English swyvel, swivel, from a derivative of Old English swīfan (“to revolve”), + -el, an instrumental suffix, equivalent to swive + -el.
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
swivel (countable and uncountable, plural swivels)
- (mechanical) A piece, such as a ring or hook, attached to another piece by a pin, in such a manner as to permit rotation about the pin as an axis.
- 1907, Harold Bindloss, chapter 7, in The Dust of Conflict[1]:
- The patter of feet, and clatter of strap and swivel, seemed to swell into a bewildering din, but they were almost upon the fielato offices, where the carretera entered the town, before a rifle flashed.
- (military) A small piece of ordnance, turning on a point or swivel; called also swivel gun.
- 1796, John Stedman, chapter 4, in Narrative of a Five Years’ Expedition,[2], volume 1, London: J. Johnson, page 81:
- [The settlement] was entirely surrounded by a broad unfordable marsh or swamp, which prevented all communication, except by private paths under water, known only to the rebels, and before which Baron had placed loaded swivels […]
- 1881, Thomas Wilhelm, A Military Dictionary and Gazetteer:
- Applied to guns mounted upon the cartridges were fired without being tripods , stands , swivels , or carriages
- (slang, uncountable) Strength of mind or character that enables one to overcome adversity; confidence; force of will.
- Bob ain't got no swivel.
- The act of swivelling.
- (dance) A rotating of the hips.
- (fishing) A small, usually ball- or barrel-shaped device used in angling to connect sections of fishing lines, consisting of two rings linked via a thrust bearing pivot joint.
Derived terms edit
Translations edit
piece to permit rotation
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military: small piece of ordnance — see swivel gun
Verb edit
swivel (third-person singular simple present swivels, present participle swiveling or swivelling, simple past and past participle swiveled or swivelled)
- (intransitive) To swing or turn, as on a pin or pivot.
- 2013 November 3, Delme Parfitt, “Cardiff City 1 - 0 Swansea City: Steven Caulker heads Bluebirds to South Wales derby win”, in Wales Online:
- As expected, Swansea began the game with some patient passing and the first chance fell to striker Michu in the fourth minute when he controlled a cross by Jonjo Shelvey and swivelled in the penalty box, only to fire over the bar.
Translations edit
to swing or turn, as on a pin or pivot
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References edit
“swivel”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.