swivel

Etymology

From Middle English swyvel, swivel, from a derivative of Old English swīfan (“to revolve”), + -el, an instrumental suffix, equivalent to swive + -el.

noun

1. (mechanical) 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, Harold Bindloss, chapter 7, in The Dust of Conflict
2. (military) 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
   Applied to guns mounted upon the cartridges were fired without being tripods , stands , swivels , or carriages 1881, Thomas Wilhelm, A Military Dictionary and Gazetteer
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. (dance) A rotating of the hips.
6. (fishing) 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.

verb

1. (intransitive) To swing or turn, as on a pin or pivot.
   As expected, Swansea began the game with some patient passing and the first chance fell to striker Michu in the fourth minute when he controlled a cross by Jonjo Shelvey and swivelled in the penalty box, only to fire over the bar. 3 November 2013, Delme Parfitt, “Cardiff City 1 - 0 Swansea City: Steven Caulker heads Bluebirds to South Wales derby win”, in Wales Online