WHITE-FISH. A fish of the salmon family, found in the lakes of North America; also a name of the [hard-head] (which see). It is a general name for ling, cod, tusk, haddock, halibut, and the like, and for roach, dace, &c., from the use of their scales to form artificial pearls. Also applied to the beluga or white whale (Beluga leucas), a cetacean found in the Arctic seas and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is from 12 to 15 feet long.
WHITE-HERRING. A pickled herring in the north, but in other parts a fresh herring is so called.
WHITE-HORSE. A name of the Raia fullonica. (See also [White Caps].)
WHITE-LAPPELLE. A sobriquet for a lieutenant, in allusion to his former uniform. (See [Lappelle].)
WHITE-ROPE. Rope which has not been tarred. Manilla, coir, and some other ropes, do not require tarring.
WHITE SQUALL. A tropical wind said to give no warning; it sweeps the surface with spoon-drift.
WHITE-TAPE. A term amongst smugglers for hollands or gin.
WHITE-WATER. That which is seen over extensive sandy patches, where, owing to the limpidity and shallowness of the sea, the light of the sky is reflected.
WHITING. The name given in Cumberland to the Salmo albus, or white salmon. Also the Gadus merlangus, both split or dried.
WHITTLE [from the Anglo-Saxon hwytel]. A knife; also used for a sword, but contemptuously.—To whittle. To cut sticks.