train oil

noun

1. oil obtained from the blubber of whales or from seals, walruses, or other marine animals.

train oil

noun

1. oil obtained from the blubber of various marine animals, esp the whale

Word History and Origins

Origin of train oil¹

1545–55; earlier trane < Dutch traan train oil, tear; cognate with German Träne tear

Word History and Origins

Origin of train oil¹

C16: from earlier train or trane , from Middle Low German trān or Middle Dutch traen tear, exudation

Example Sentences

After a sufficient time in the salt water, he took it out and rubbed it with chamois and train-oil for hours.

From Project Gutenberg

The sale of their wives is by no means uncommon, for a little train oil, or other paltry considerations.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing now remains but to sail homewards, where the fat is to be boiled, and melted down into train oil.

From Project Gutenberg

For want of the requisite vessels only an inconsiderable quantity of the train-oil, which these animals contain, is collected.

From Project Gutenberg

Then they ate fish-meal with train-oil instead of butter, and for a second course toasted bread and blubber.

From Project Gutenberg