swivel
noun
- part of drill string
verb
- to turn or rotate
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈswɪvəl/
noun
Etymology: From Middle English swyvel, swivel, from a derivative of Old English swīfan (“to revolve”), + -el, an instrumental suffix, equivalent to swive + -el.
- 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.
“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.”
- A small piece of ordnance, turning on a point or swivel; called also swivel gun.
“[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 […]”
“Applied to guns mounted upon the cartridges were fired without being tripods, stands, swivels, or carriages”
- Strength of mind or character that enables one to overcome adversity; confidence; force of will.
“Bob ain't got no swivel.”
- The act of swivelling.
- A rotating of the hips.
- 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.
verb
Etymology: From Middle English swyvel, swivel, from a derivative of Old English swīfan (“to revolve”), + -el, an instrumental suffix, equivalent to swive + -el.
- To swing or turn, as on a pin or pivot.
“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.”