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.

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.