Definition of Porpaise
Por"poise (?), n. [OE. porpeys,
OF. porpeis, literally, hog fish, from L. porcus swine +
piscis fish. See Pork, and Fish.]
1. (Zoöl.) Any small cetacean of the
genus Phocæna, especially P. communis, or P.
phocæna, of Europe, and the closely allied American species
(P. Americana). The color is dusky or blackish above, paler
beneath. They are closely allied to the dolphins, but have a shorter
snout. Called also harbor porpoise, herring hag,
puffing pig, and snuffer.
2. (Zoöl.) A true dolphin
(Delphinus); -- often so called by sailors.
Skunk porpoise, or Bay porpoise
(Zoöl.), a North American porpoise (Lagenorhynchus
acutus), larger than the common species, and with broad stripes of
white and yellow on the sides. See Illustration in
Appendix.
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
- A small cetacean of the family Phocoenidae, related to whales and dolphins.
- (North America, imprecisely) Any small dolphin.
- The Nuttall Encyclopedia
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