Chelidon rustica

Swallow Swal"low, n. [OE. swalowe, AS. swalewe, swealwe; akin to D. zwaluw, OHG. swalawa, G. schwalbe, Icel. & Sw. svala, Dan. svale.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of passerine birds of the family {Hirundinid[ae]}, 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. [1913 Webster]

Note: The most common North American species are the barn swallow (see under {Barn}), the cliff, or eaves, swallow (see under {Cliff}), the white-bellied, or tree, swallow ({Tachycineta bicolor}), and the bank swallow (see under {Bank}). The common European swallow ({Chelidon rustica}), and the window swallow, or martin ({Chelidon urbica}), are familiar species. [1913 Webster]

2. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of swifts which resemble the true swallows in form and habits, as the common American chimney swallow, or swift. [1913 Webster]

3. (Naut.) The aperture in a block through which the rope reeves. --Ham. Nav. Encyc. [1913 Webster]

{Swallow plover} (Zo["o]l.), any one of several species of fork-tailed ploverlike birds of the genus {Glareola}, as {G. orientalis} of India; a pratincole.

{Swallow shrike} (Zo["o]l.), any one of several species of East Indian and Asiatic birds of the family {Artamiid[ae]}, allied to the shrikes but similar to swallows in appearance and habits. The ashy swallow shrike ({Artamus fuscus}) is common in India.

{Swallow warbler} (Zo["o]l.), any one of numerous species of East Indian and Australian singing birds of the genus {Dic[ae]um}. They are allied to the honeysuckers. [1913 Webster]