1. (n.) A cetacean of the genus Delphinus and allied genera (esp. D. delphis); the true dolphin.

2. (n.) The Coryphaena hippuris, a fish of about five feet in length, celebrated for its surprising changes of color when dying. It is the fish commonly known as the dolphin. See Coryphaenoid.

3. (n.) A mass of iron or lead hung from the yardarm, in readiness to be dropped on the deck of an enemy's vessel.

4. (n.) A kind of wreath or strap of plaited cordage.

5. (n.) A spar or buoy held by an anchor and furnished with a ring to which ships may fasten their cables.

6. (n.) A mooring post on a wharf or beach.

7. (n.) A permanent fender around a heavy boat just below the gunwale.

8. (n.) In old ordnance, one of the handles above the trunnions by which the gun was lifted.

9. (n.) A small constellation between Aquila and Pegasus. See Delphinus, n., 2.