hĭrundo, ĭnis, f. (weakened from χελιδών), a swallow.
I Lit., Plin. 10, 33, 49, § 92; 10, 24, 34, § 70; Plaut. Rud. 3, 1, 12; Verg. G. 1, 377; id. A. 12, 474; Ov. F. 2, 853; Hor. Ep. 1, 7, 13.—As a term of endearment: dic me anaticulam, columbam vel catellum, Hirundinem, monedulam, etc., Plaut. As. 3, 3, 104.—Prov.: quid contendat hirundo cycnis? Lucr. 3, 6 (for which: certent cycnis ululae, Verg. E. 8, 55).—
II Transf., a flying sea - fish , sea - swallow , Exocoetus volitans s. evolans, Linn.; Plin. 9, 26, 43, § 81.