Orc

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  orc \orc\ ([^o]rk), n. [L. orca, a kind of whale: cf. F. orque.]
     1. (Zool.) Any of several cetaceans, especialy the {grampus}
        ({Grampus griseus}) of the dolphin family. [Written also
        {ork} and {orch}.] --Milton.
        [1913 Webster]
  


              An island salt and bare,
              The haunt of seals, and orcs, and sea-mews' clang.
                                                    --Milton (Par.
                                                    Lost xi. 835).
  
     2. (Mythology) A mythical monster of varying descriptions; an
        ogre.
        [PJC]
  
              Goblins, hobgoblins, and orcs of the worst
              description.                          --J. J.
                                                    Tolkien (The
                                                    Hobbit)
  
     3. The {orca}.
        [PJC]