1. subst. A carnivorous aquatic mammal in one of several families of order Cetacea, famed for its intelligence and occasional willingness to approach humans.
2. subst. A fish, the mahi-mahi or dorado, Coryphaena hippurus, with a dorsal fin that runs the length of the body, also known for iridescent coloration.
3. subst. (heraldry) A depiction of a fish, with a broad indented fin, usually embowed.
4. subst. The dauphin, eldest son of the kings of France.
5. subst. (historical) A mass of iron or lead hung from the yardarm, in readiness to be dropped through the deck and the hull of an enemy's vessel to sink it.
6. subst. (nautical) A kind of wreath or strap of plaited cordage.
7. subst. (nautical) A spar or buoy held by an anchor and furnished with a ring to which ships may fasten their cables.
8. subst. A mooring post on a wharf or beach.
9. subst. A permanent fender around a heavy boat just below the gunwale.
10. subst. (military, obsolete) One of the handles above the trunnions by which a gun was lifted.
11. subst. (nautical) A man-made semi submerged maritime structure, usually installed to provide a fixed structure for temporary mooring, to prevent ships from drifting to shallow water or to serve as base for n
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