Obs. [For *swervel, ad. WFris. (? Flem.) swervel, f. swervje to rove (see SWERVE). Cf. SWARMER2.] (See quots.)

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1634.  J. B[ate], Myst. Nat., 76. Swevels are nothing else but Rockets, having instead of a rod (to ballast them) a little cane bound fast unto them.

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1688.  R. Holme, Armoury, III. xvi. (Roxb.), 91/2. A Swevell or Rockett.

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