swivels

Noun

swivel (countable and uncountable, plural swivels)

1. 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.1907 January, Harold Bindloss, chapter 7, in The Dust of Conflict, 1st Canadian edition, Toronto, Ont.: McLeod & Allen, →OCLC
2. 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 […]1796, John Stedman, chapter 4, in Narrative of a Five Years’ Expedition,, volume 1, London: J. Johnson, page 81
3. (slang, uncountable) Strength of mind or character that enables one to overcome adversity; confidence; force of will.
   • Bob ain't got no swivel.
4. The act of swivelling.
5. A rotating of the hips.
6. A small, usually ball- or barrel-shaped device used in angling to connect sections of fishing lines, consisting of two rings linked via a thrust bearing pivot joint.

See all 7 meanings of swivel