- Trichecus obesus
- Walrus Wal"rus, n. [D. walrus; of Scand. origin; cf. Dan
valros, Sw. vallross, Norw. hvalros; literally, whale horse;
akin to Icel. hrosshvalr, AS. horshw[ae]l. See {Whale}, and
{Horse}.] (Zo["o]l.)
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}.
[1913 Webster]
Note: 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. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
