Swifter

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language

·noun The forward shroud of a lower mast.

II. Swifter ·vt To tighten, as slack standing rigging, by bringing the opposite shrouds nearer.

III. Swifter ·noun A rope used to encircle a boat longitudinally, to strengthen and defend her sides.

IV. Swifter ·noun A rope used to retain the bars of the capstan in their sockets while men are turning it.

Related Words

  • swifter

    A strong rope, sometimes encircling a boat, about 9 inches below her gunwale, both to strengthen her...

    The Sailor's Word-Book

  • capstan-swifter

    A rope passed horizontally through notches in the outer ends of the bars, and drawn very tight: the ...

    The Sailor's Word-Book