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(), v. i.[Cf. Swerve.] To climb a tree, pole, or the like, by embracing it with the arms and legs alternately. See Shin. [Colloq.] At the top was placed a piece of money, as a prize for those who could swarm up and seize it. W. Coxe. Swarm n.[OE. swarm, AS. swearm; akin to D. zwerm, G. schwarm, OHG. swaram, Icel. svarmr a tumult, Sw. svrm a swarm, Dan. svrm, and G. schwirren to whiz, to buzz, Skr. svar to sound, and perhaps to E. swear. 177. Cf. Swerve, Swirl.] 1. A large number or mass of small animals or insects, especially when in motion. "A deadly swarm of hornets." Milton. 2. Especially, a great number of honeybees which emigrate from a hive at once, and seek new lodgings under the direction of a queen; a like body of bees settled permanently in a hive. "A swarm of bees." Chaucer. 3. Hence, any great number or multitude, as of people in motion, or sometimes of inanimate objects; as, a swarm of meteorites. Those prodigious swarms that had settled themselves in every part of it [Italy]. Addison. Syn. -- Multitude; crowd; throng. Swarm v. i.[imp. & p. p.Swarmed (); p. pr. & vb. n.Swarming.] 1. To collect, and depart from a hive by flight in a body; -- said of bees; as, bees swarm in warm, clear days in summer. 2. To appear or collect in a crowd; to throng together; to congregate in a multitude. Chaucer. 3. To be crowded; to be thronged with a multitude of beings in motion. Every place swarms with soldiers. Spenser. 4. To abound; to be filled (with). Atterbury. 5. To breed multitudes. Not so thick swarmed once the soil Bedropped with blood of Gorgon. Milton. Swarm v. t.To crowd or throng. Fanshawe. スポンサード リンク
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