John Down

[? < John + down feathers]

Nfld

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

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any of several large oceanic birds such as the fulmar.

Quotations

1852

On the banks of Newfoundland, where this bird is known by the name of 'John Down,' it attends the fishing vessels for the offal of the cod fish.

1959

Fulmar . . . John Down (Sailor's name, significance unknown. Nfld). . . .