sea lion

Meaning

Noun

1. A marine mammal of any of several genera in the family Otariidae (the eared seals).
2. A monster consisting of the upper part of a lion combined with the tail of a fish (a lion marined).
3. (slang) A steamer transporting cattle from the ports of Texas.
4. (slang) A cow or bull transported by steamer from the ports of Texas.

Verb

Alternative form of sealion (“engage in disingenuous debate”)

Synonyms

eared seal

morse

seal

🦭

hair seal

briney tomker

fishtailed

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈsiː ˈlaɪən/

Etymology

From sea + lion, named from its marine habitat and its lion-like barking roar and mane. Compare Middle English see hound, cee-hound, se hound (“beaver”, literally “sea-hound”).