Definition of swifter

• n. - A rope used to retain the bars of the capstan in their sockets while men are turning it.
• n. - A rope used to encircle a boat longitudinally, to strengthen and defend her sides.
• n. - The forward shroud of a lower mast.
• v. t. - To tighten, as slack standing rigging, by bringing the opposite shrouds nearer.