Swivel

//ˈswɪvəl// noun, verb, slang

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    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. countable, uncountable

    "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."

  2. 2
    a coupling (as in a chain) that has one end that turns on a headed pin wordnet
  3. 3
    A small piece of ordnance, turning on a point or swivel; called also swivel gun. countable, uncountable

    "[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 […]"

  4. 4
    Strength of mind or character that enables one to overcome adversity; confidence; force of will. slang, uncountable

    "Bob ain't got no swivel."

  5. 5
    The act of swivelling. countable, uncountable
Show 2 more definitions
  1. 6
    A rotating of the hips. countable, uncountable
  2. 7
    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. countable, uncountable
Verb
  1. 1
    To swing or turn, as on a pin or pivot. intransitive

    "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."

  2. 2
    turn on a pivot wordnet

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English swyvel, swivel, from a derivative of Old English swīfan (“to revolve”), + -el, an instrumental suffix, equivalent to swive + -el.

Etymology 2

From Middle English swyvel, swivel, from a derivative of Old English swīfan (“to revolve”), + -el, an instrumental suffix, equivalent to swive + -el.

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