Swarm (?), 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.
© Webster 1913.
Swarm, n. [OE. swarm, AS. swearm; akin to D. zwerm, G. schwarm, OHG. swaram, Icel. svarmr a tumult, Sw. svarm a swarm, Dan. svaerm, 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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Swarm, v. t.
To crowd or throng.
Fanshawe.
© Webster 1913.