spout-hole
[f. spout v.]
1. The blow-hole or spiracle of a whale or other cetacean.
| 1694 Narborough Voy. ii. 126 He hath a Spouthole on his Head..like a Whale. 1725 Phil. Trans. XXXIII. 261 Their Way of Breathing is by two Spout-Holes in the Top of the Head. 1770 Ibid. LX. 322 The spout-hole..appeared to be provided with a sphincter. 1840 F. D. Bennett Narr. Whaling Voy. II. 151 One of this species..expanded its spout-hole, and produced a sucking sound on inspiration. 1845 J. Coulter Adv. in Pacific ii. 12 Whales of every kind blowing the water from their spout-holes. |
2. A natural opening in rocks through which the sea spouts.
| 1849 Dana Geol. 272 Some of the spout-holes of Koloa are unusually grand. |
3. Mining. A short siding or narrow heading.
| 1883 Gresley Gloss. Coal-m. 232. |