a. rare (chiefly poet.). [f. SWIFT a. + -Y.] Swift. Hence † Swiftiness.
c. 1380. Wyclif, Sel. Wks., II. 407. Crist is swiftier in hise werkes þan oure tungis ben in her speche.
1460. Capgrave, Chron. (Rolls), 36. Al manere games that longyn to power or switnesse [v.r. swiftinesse].
1563. B. Googe, Eglogs, etc. (Arb.), 71. His Spurres with heeles he strykes, And forewarde ronnes with swiftye race.
1567. Drant, Horace, Ep., II. ii. H vj. As gliding waues in swiftye streames are quickly cumd, and gone.
1596. Colse, Penelope (1880), 170. To swifty Dolon take good heede.
a. 1890. R. F. Burton, trans. Catullus’ Carmina, lv. 26. Rhesus borne in swifty car snow-white.
