ˈsea-ape
[ape n.]
1. The sea-fox (Alopias vulpes). See ape n. 5.
| 1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts 5 The Dolphin recouereth by eating a sea-ape. 1769–1861 [see ape n. 5]. |
† 2. a. ? The manatee. b. The Northern manatee: see manatee 2. Obs. Also attrib.
| 1755 tr. Pontoppidan's Nat. Hist. Norway ii. 191 These Mer-men, or, as we may rather call them Sea-apes. 1781 Pennant Quadrupeds II. 544 Sea Ape Manati. Mr. Steller saw on the coast of America another very singular animal which he calls a Sea Ape: it was five feet long: the head like a dog's: [etc.]. |
3. ‘The sea-otter; so called from its gambols’ (Cent. Dict. 1891).
| a 1891 H. Partridge (Cent.), When holding a fore-paw over their eyes in order to look about them with more distinctness, they are called sea-apes. |
4. The Northern Chimæra (C. monstrosa).
| 1862 Couch Brit. Fishes I. 145 Arctic Chimæra... Sea Ape. |