(n.) Any one of numerous species of passerine birds of the family Hirundinidae, 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.
(n.) Any one of numerous species of swifts which resemble the true swallows in form and habits, as the common American chimney swallow, or swift.
(n.) As much as is, or can be, swallowed at once; as, a swallow of water.
(n.) Capacity for swallowing; voracity.
(n.) Taste; relish; inclination; liking.
(n.) That which ingulfs; a whirlpool.
(n.) The act of swallowing.
(n.) The aperture in a block through which the rope reeves.
(n.) The gullet, or esophagus; the throat.
(v. i.) To perform the act of swallowing; as, his cold is so severe he is unable to swallow.
(v. t.) To draw into an abyss or gulf; to ingulf; to absorb -- usually followed by up.
(v. t.) To engross; to appropriate; -- usually with up.
(v. t.) To occupy; to take up; to employ.
(v. t.) To put up with; to bear patiently or without retaliation; as, to swallow an affront or insult.
(v. t.) To receive or embrace, as opinions or belief, without examination or scruple; to receive implicitly.
(v. t.) To retract; to recant; as, to swallow one's opinions.
(v. t.) To seize and waste; to exhaust; to consume.
(v. t.) To take into the stomach; to receive through the gullet, or esophagus, into the stomach; as, to swallow food or drink.