swing n
1 Cross-bar behind horse to which traces and plough are attached; BOGGAN* (Q 71-13).
P 148-61 ~ single cross-piece behind horse to which traces attach. Centre of swing fastens to plow.
2 Length of line attached to various types of fish-net, trap, etc; STRAY-LINE.
C 75-63 The lobster pot 'swings' were prepared in the kitchen. Lobster pot swings are the line connected to a pot so that it can be hauled out of the water. The swing contained a buoy at the end and a bobber in the middle. A bobber was a small buoy [that] was always under water and the purpose was to keep the swing from hooking into the bottom.
3 Phr at swing: of a fishing net, with only one end made fast.
[1776] 1792 CARTWRIGHT ii, 200 We left the net at swing, in the lower pool. 1792 ibid Gloss i, xv A net is said to be at swing, when one end only of it is made fast.
