DCHP-3

voyage seal

Nfld., Obs.
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

a large grey seal, Phoca groenlandica, so called because of the harp-shaped markings on its back.

Quotations

1861
The principal seal of the coast is termed the Voyage seal, while the males are distinctively called Harps, or Blackbacks. When the first of these Voyage seals is caught on the coast a great sensation is the result, for this one, it appears, is the precursor of thousands, and a good "harvest" may be expected.