grampus

[ gram-puhs ]

noun

, plural gram·pus·es.

1. a cetacean, Grampus griseus, of the dolphin family, widely distributed in northern seas.
2. any of various related cetaceans, as the killer whale, Orcinus ( Orca ) orca.
3. a giant whip scorpion common to Florida.

grampus

/ ˈɡræmpəs /

noun

1. a widely distributed slaty-grey dolphin, Grampus griseus, with a blunt snout
2. See killer whale
   another name for killer whale

Word History and Origins

Origin of grampus¹

1520–30; earlier grampoys, variant (by assimilation) of graundepose great fish, equivalent to graunde grand + pose, poys < Middle French pois, peis < Latin pisce- (stem of piscis ) fish; replacing Middle English gra ( s ) peis < Middle French ≪ Latin crassus piscis fat fish

Word History and Origins

Origin of grampus¹

C16: from Old French graspois, from gras fat (from Latin crassus ) + pois fish (from Latin piscis )

Example Sentences

No craft like the Grampus could work through a floe, What knots she could run, and what tons she could stow!

From Project Gutenberg

Not a man had deserted, and Grampus gave me a favourable account of the behaviour of all hands.

From Project Gutenberg

As soon as the prisoners had shoved off, I sent the boat back to the tender, and Grampus and two men returned in her.

From Project Gutenberg

Grampus, who had charge of the deck while I was below, watched them narrowly, and did not differ with me as to their character.

From Project Gutenberg

I saw to everything myself, or sent Grampus to ascertain that people were losing no time in executing my orders.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• mammal
• porpoise