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Webster 1913 Edition


Walrus

Wal′rus

,
Noun.
[D.
walrus
; of Scand. origin; cf. Dan
valros
, Sw.
vallross
, Norw.
hvalros
; literally, whale horse; akin to Icel.
hrosshvalr
, AS.
horshwael
. See
Whale
, and
Horse
.]
(Zool.)
A very large marine mammal (
Trichecus rosmarus
) of the Seal family, native of the Arctic Ocean. The male has long and powerful tusks descending from the upper jaw. It uses these in procuring food and in fighting. It is hunted for its oil, ivory, and skin. It feeds largely on mollusks. Called also
morse
.
☞ The walrus of the North Pacific and Behring Strait (
Trichecus obesus
) is regarded by some as a distinct species, by others as a variety of the common walrus.

Webster 1828 Edition


Walrus

WALRUS

,
Noun.
[G., a whale, a horse.] The morse or sea horse, an animal of the northern seas, of the genus Trichechus.