SWARM
Swarm, v. i. Etym: [Cf. Swerve.]
Defn: 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
Swarm, n. Etym: [OE. swarm, AS. swearm; akin to D. zwerm, G. schwarm,
OHG. swaram, Icel. svarmr a tumult, Sw. svärm a swarm, Dan. sværm,
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 nimber 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
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.