\Swift"er\, n. [Cf. {Swivel}.] (Naut.)
   (a) A rope used to retain the bars of the capstan in their
       sockets while men are turning it.
   (b) A rope used to encircle a boat longitudinally, to
       strengthen and defend her sides.
   (c) The forward shroud of a lower mast.

\Swift"er\, v. t. (Naut.)
To tighten, as slack standing rigging, by bringing the
opposite shrouds nearer.