swivel

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)A piece, such as a ring or hook, attached to another piece by a pin, in such a manner as to permit rotation about the pin as an axis.

   “The patter of feet, and clatter of strap and swivel, seemed to swell into a bewildering din, but they were almost upon the fielato offices, where the carretera entered the town, before a rifle flashed.”

2. (countable, uncountable)A small piece of ordnance, turning on a point or swivel; called also swivel gun.

   “[The settlement] was entirely surrounded by a broad unfordable marsh or swamp, which prevented all communication, except by private paths under water, known only to the rebels, and before which Baron had placed loaded swivels […]”

   “Applied to guns mounted upon the cartridges were fired without being tripods, stands, swivels, or carriages”

3. (slang, uncountable)Strength of mind or character that enables one to overcome adversity; confidence; force of will.

   “Bob ain't got no swivel.”

4. (countable, uncountable)The act of swivelling.
5. (countable, uncountable)A rotating of the hips.
6. (countable, uncountable)A small, usually ball- or barrel-shaped device used in angling to connect sections of fishing lines, consisting of two rings linked via a thrust bearing pivot joint.

verb

1. (intransitive)To swing or turn, as on a pin or pivot.

   “As expected, Swansea began the game with some patient passing and the first chance fell to striker Michu in the fourth minute when he controlled a cross by Jonjo Shelvey and swivelled in the penalty box, only to fire over the bar.”