fur seal

noun

any of several eared seals, as Callorhinus alascanus, having a plush underfur used in making coats, trimmings, etc.

fur seal

any of various eared seals, esp of the genus Arctocephalus , that have a fine dense underfur and are hunted as a source of sealskin

First recorded in 1765–75

Of marine mammals the most characteristic are the sea-lion, fur-seal, sea-otter and harbour-seal.

The fur-seal fishery is an important industry, though apparently a declining one.

"Can't tell the cry of a cow fur seal from the bleating of an old sheep," was the reply.

A fur seal swims with his fore flippers, a true seal with his hind flippers.

A fur seal stands upright on his fore flippers, a hair seal lies supine.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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