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Swifter vs Snifter - What's the difference?

swifter | snifter |

As nouns the difference between swifter and snifter

is that swifter is a rope used to retain the bars of the capstan in their sockets while it is being turned while snifter is a small alcoholic drink.

As an adjective swifter

is comparative of swift.

As a verb swifter

is to tighten (e.g. slack standing rigging) by bringing the opposite shrouds nearer.

swifter

English

Etymology 1

Adjective

(head)
  • (swift)

    • Etymology 2

    Compare swivel.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (nautical) A rope used to retain the bars of the capstan in their sockets while it is being turned.
  • (nautical) A rope used to encircle a boat longitudinally, to strengthen and defend her sides.
  • (nautical) The forward shroud of a lower mast.

    • Verb

    (en verb)
  • (nautical) To tighten (e.g. slack standing rigging) by bringing the opposite shrouds nearer.

    • snifter

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A small alcoholic drink.
  • * 1917 , , The Oakdale Affair , ch. 1:
    • "I guess you're a regular all right. Here, have a snifter ?" and he pulled a flask from his side pocket, holding it toward The Oskaloosa Kid.
  • A pear-shaped glass for drinking brandy or other alcoholic beverages.
  • * 2003 Jan. 20, " Getting Saucy," Time :
    • [H]e springs to another wooden vat and turns a valve, filling a snifter with a warm amber liquid. . . . Bang holds the liquid up to the light, swirls it around, takes a sniff of the pungent bouquet, puts the glass to his lips—and gives a satisfied smile.

    Synonyms

    * dram, nip, slug, tot