SWOOP, verb transitive [This is probably from sweep, or the same root.]

1. To fall on at once and seize; to catch while on the wing; as, a hawk swoops a chicken; a kite swoops up a mouse.

2. To seize; to catchup; to take with a sweep.

3. To pass with violence.

SWOOP, verb intransitive To pass with pomp.

SWOOP, noun A falling on and seizing, as of a rapacious fowl on his prey.

The eagle fell--and carried away a whole litter of cubs at a swoop