swivel

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   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.

2. 2
   noun

   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 […]

3. 3
   noun

   Strength of mind or character that enables one to overcome adversity; confidence; force of will.

   Bob ain't got no swivel.

4. 4
   verb

   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.

5. 5
   noun

   a coupling (as in a chain) that has one end that turns on a headed pin

6. 6
   verb

   turn on a pivot

7. 7
   noun

   The act of swivelling.

8. 8
   noun

   A rotating of the hips.

Etymology

From Middle English swyvel, swivel, from a derivative of Old English swīfan (“to revolve”), + -el, an instrumental suffix, equivalent to swive + -el.