ˈsea-hog
[hog n.1; cf. G. meerschwein.]
1. A popular name for the porpoise. ? Now rare.
| 1580 Hollyband Treas. Fr. Tong, Marsouin, a sea hog. |
| 1686 J. Dunton Lett. fr. New-Eng. (1867) 32 A vast number of Fishes called Sea-hogs, or Porpoises. 1760 Ann. Reg. 97 A porpus, or sea-hog,..came up the river as far as London-bridge. 1896 tr. Boas' Text-bk. Zool. 524 The Sea-hog or Porpoise (Phocæna communis). |
† 2. = hog-fish 3. Obs.
| 1608 [see hog-fish 3]. |