SWARM

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.

A large number or mass of small animals or insects, especially when in motion. "A deadly swarm of hornets." Milton.

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.

Hence, any great nimber 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.

To collect, and depart from a hive by flight in a body; -- said of bees; as, bees swarm in warm, clear days in summer.

To appear or collect in a crowd; to throng together; to congregate in a multitude. Chaucer.

To be crowded; to be thronged with a multitude of beings in motion. Every place swarms with soldiers. Spenser.

To abound; to be filled (with). Atterbury.

To breed multitudes. Not so thick swarmed once the soil Bedropped with blood of Gorgon. Milton.

To crowd or throng. Fanshawe.