SWAY. The swing or sweep of a weapon. Likewise power, as military sway.
SWEEP-bar, of a waggon, is that which is fixed on the hind part of the fore guide, and passes under the hind pole, which slides upon it.
SWEEPING. A word which is peculiarly attached to one of the sections or clauses in the articles of war. Hence, Sweeping Clause.
Sweeping Clause or Section. This comprehensive clause states, that all crimes not capital, and all disorders and neglects, which officers and soldiers may be guilty of, to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, though not specified in any of the foregoing rules and articles, are to be taken cognizance of by a general or regimental court-martial, according to the nature and degree of the offence, and to be punished at their discretion.
This wisely imagined clause serves as a check to the paltry tricks and subterfuges, which are sometimes resorted to by men who are not thoroughly soldiers. It frequently happens, even among officers, that the service is hurt and embarrassed by the ingenuity of evasive characters, who think they are safe, provided they do not glaringly transgress specific rules and regulations. Another advantage is likewise derived from this clause: It enables officers at a court-martial, in cases where the offence is manifestly felt but cannot be brought under any specific article, to do justice to the service by punishing the delinquent under an indisputable clause.
To SWINDLE, (Escroquer, Fr.) A cant word signifying to cheat; to impose upon the credulity of mankind, and thereby defraud the unwary, by false pretences, fictitious assumptions, &c. This criminal and unmanly practice oftentimes proves successful under the garb of a military dress and character, and sometimes under that of holy orders. The records of Bow-street are filled with pseudo-majors, captains, parsons, &c.
SWINDLER, (Escroc, Fr.) A sharper; a cheat. This word is evidently taken from the German Schwindler, which, we presume, comes from Schwindel, giddiness of thought; giddy pate. See J. J. Eschenburg’s English and German Dictionary, Part II. page 197. With us, however, it signifies a person who is more than thoughtless or giddy. We affix to the term the character of premeditated imposition; so that a swindler comes under the criminal code, and may be prosecuted accordingly. Swindlers almost always assume a military name. Perhaps the army might, in some degree, be rescued from these pretenders, were it ordered that no officer shall appear with any military badge unless he be regimentally dressed; and that when so dressed, he shall have the number of his regiment marked upon the button of his hat, &c.
SWING-tree of a waggon. The bar placed across the foreguide, to which the traces are fastened.
SWIVEL, (Pierrier, Fr.) A small piece of ordnance which turns on a pivot or swivel.
SWIVELS, (Tourniquets de fer, Fr.) commonly called Loop and Swivel, and Guard and Swivel. Two iron rings attached to a musquet, through which the sling passes.