Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Swivel?

\Swiv"el\, n. [AS. sw[=i]fan to move quickly, to remove; akin to Icel. sveifla to whirl, shake, sv[=i]fa to ramble, to turn. See {Swoop}, and cf. {Swift} a reel, {Swift}, a.] 1. (Mech.) A piece, 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. 2. (Mil.) A small piece of ordnance, turning on a point or swivel; -- called also {swivel gun}. --Wilhelm. {Swivel bridge}, a kind of drawbridge that turns round on a vertical axis; a swing bridge. {Swivel hook}, a hook connected with the iron strap of a pulley block by a swivel joint, for readily taking the turns out of a tackle. {Swivel joint}, a joint, the two pieces composing which turn round, with respect to each other, on a longitudinal pin or axis, as in a chain, to prevent twisting.
\Swiv"el\, v. i. To swing or turn, as on a pin or pivot.