swivel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a coupling (as in a chain) that has one end that turns on a headed pin
  2. verb turn on a pivot
    pivot.

WordNet

Swiv"el noun
Etymology
AS. swifan to move quickly, to remove; akin to Icel. sveifla to whirl, shake, svifa to ramble, to turn. See Swoop, and cf. Swift a reel, Swift, a.
Definitions
  1. (Mech.) A piece, 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.
  2. (Mil.) A small piece of ordnance, turning on a point or swivel; -- called also swivel gun. Wilhelm.
Swiv"el intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To swing or turn, as on a pin or pivot.

Webster 1913