- Any small cetacean of the genus Phocaena, especially P.
communis, or P. phocaena, of Europe, and the closely allied American
species (P. Americana). The color is dusky or blackish above, paler
beneath. They are closely allied to the dolphins, but have a shorter
snout. Called also harbor porpoise, herring hag, puffing pig, and
snuffer. - A true dolphin (Delphinus); -- often so called by
sailors.
Definition
[ n.]