KJV Dictionary Definition: swerve

swerve

SWERVE, v.i. swerv.

1. To wander; to rove.

The swerving vines on the tall elms prevail.

2. To wander from any line prescribed, or from a rule of duty; to depart from what is established by law, duty or custom; to deviate.

I swerve not from thy commandments.

They swerve from the strict letter of the law.

Many who, through the contagion of evil example, swerve exceedingly from the rules of their holy religion--

3. To bend; to incline.

4. To climb or move forward by winding or turning.

The tree was high,

Yet nimbly up from bough to bough I swerv'd.

This use of the word coincides with that of swarm, which see.

swerving

SWERV'ING, ppr. Roving; wandering; deviating from any rule or standard; inclining; climbing or moving by winding and turning.

SWERV'ING, n. The act of wandering; deviation from any rule, law, duty or standard.