Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1822, 1923-1956
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SWIFT, v. 1. To reef or reduce the area of, to partially furl (a sail) (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1972).Sh. 1822 S. Hibbert Description 512:
Fit da mast and swift da sail.Sh. 1923 T. Manson Lerwick 336:
The sail was then “swifted” (i.e., a knot put on the tack and sheet).
2. To make fast with a rope, etc., to tie more firmly (‡Ork. 1929 Marw.; Cai. 1972), to lash by looping cord or string round, to whip.Cai. 1956:
He splett his fishin wan but he swifted it wi a sneed.
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"Swift v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 13 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/swift>
