harp seal

noun

1. a northern earless seal, Pagophilus groenlandicus, with pale-yellow fur darkening to gray with age, of coasts, drifting ice, and seas of the North Atlantic Ocean, hunted for its fur.

harp seal

noun

1. a brownish-grey earless seal, Pagophilus groenlandicus, of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans

Word History and Origins

Origin of harp seal¹

First recorded in 1775–85; so called from the harplike shape of markings on the backs of adults

Example Sentences

For thick waterproof soles the skin of the beaver or the harp seal is used.

From Project Gutenberg

The Harp Seal frequents the coast of Newfoundland and is so named from the harp-shaped band which marks the backs of the males.

From Project Gutenberg

Oleum phoc, L. From the hood seal, and harp seal, and other species of Phocid.

From Project Gutenberg

They had caught an old harp seal, and he ate its flesh and drank its blood.

From Project Gutenberg

He ate the flesh of an old harp seal they had caught in their net.

From Project Gutenberg