Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SWIFT, a. [Sax. swift, from swifan, to turn, to rove, to wander, to whirl round; D. zweeven, to rove, to hover, to fluctuate; Dan. svæver; Sw. sväfva; G. schweben, to wave, soar, or hover. The latter appear to be formed on the root of wave. See Swivel and Waft.]

1. Moving a great distance, or over a large space in a short time; moving with celerity or velocity; fleet; rapid; quick; speedy. We say, swift winds, a swift stream, swift lightnings, swift motion, swift as thought, a fowl swift of wing, a man swift of foot. Swift is applicable to any kind of motion.
2. Ready; prompt. Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. – James i.
3. Speedy; that comes without delay. There shall be false teachers among you, who shall privily bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. – 2 Pet. ii.