\Swiv"el\, n. [AS. sw[=i]fan to move quickly, to remove;
akin to Icel. sveifla to whirl, shake, sv[=i]fa to ramble, to
turn. See {Swoop}, and cf. {Swift} a reel, {Swift}, a.]
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.
{Swivel bridge}, a kind of drawbridge that turns round on a
   vertical axis; a swing bridge.
{Swivel hook}, a hook connected with the iron strap of a
   pulley block by a swivel joint, for readily taking the
   turns out of a tackle.
{Swivel joint}, a joint, the two pieces composing which turn
   round, with respect to each other, on a longitudinal pin
   or axis, as in a chain, to prevent twisting.

\Swiv"el\, v. i.
To swing or turn, as on a pin or pivot.