The Collaborative International Dictionary
Swallow \Swal"low\, n. [OE. swalowe, AS. swalewe, swealwe; akin to D. zwaluw, OHG. swalawa, G. schwalbe, Icel. & Sw. svala, Dan. svale.]
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(Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of passerine birds of the family Hirundinid[ae], especially one of those species in which the tail is deeply forked. They have long, pointed wings, and are noted for the swiftness and gracefulness of their flight.
Note: The most common North American species are the barn swallow (see under Barn), the cliff, or eaves, swallow (see under Cliff), the white-bellied, or tree, swallow ( Tachycineta bicolor), and the bank swallow (see under Bank). The common European swallow ( Chelidon rustica), and the window swallow, or martin ( Chelidon urbica), are familiar species.
(Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of swifts which resemble the true swallows in form and habits, as the common American chimney swallow, or swift.
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(Naut.) The aperture in a block through which the rope reeves.
--Ham. Nav. Encyc.Swallow plover (Zo["o]l.), any one of several species of fork-tailed ploverlike birds of the genus Glareola, as G. orientalis of India; a pratincole.
Swallow shrike (Zo["o]l.), any one of several species of East Indian and Asiatic birds of the family Artamiid[ae], allied to the shrikes but similar to swallows in appearance and habits. The ashy swallow shrike ( Artamus fuscus) is common in India.
Swallow warbler (Zo["o]l.), any one of numerous species of East Indian and Australian singing birds of the genus Dic[ae]um. They are allied to the honeysuckers.