Note: The dolphin of the ancients ({D. delphis}) is common in
the Mediterranean and Atlantic, and attains a length of
from six to eight feet.
2. [Gr. delfi`s] (Gr. Antiq.) A mass of iron or lead hung
from the yardarm, in readiness to be dropped on the deck
of an enemy's vessel.
3. (Naut.)
(a) A kind of wreath or strap of plaited cordage.
(b) A spar or buoy held by an anchor and furnished with a
ring to which ships may fasten their cables. --R. H.
Dana.
(c) A mooring post on a wharf or beach.
(d) A permanent fender around a heavy boat just below the
gunwale. --Ham. Nav. Encyc.
4. (Gun.) In old ordnance, one of the handles above the
trunnions by which the gun was lifted.
5. (Astron.) A small constellation between Aquila and
Pegasus. See {Delphinus}, n., 2.
{Dolphin fly} (Zo["o]l.), the black, bean, or collier, Aphis
({Aphis fable}), destructive to beans.
{Dolphin striker} (Naut.), a short vertical spar under the
bowsprit.