[Fr.] A mammal smaller than the true whale, and common in all seas. It is more elegant than the porpoise, and is distinguished by its long snout. Dolphins follow vessels in companies, leaping out of the water and tumbling about. They chase flying-fish relentlessly, and prey on small fish, and often follow them into shallow waters or up rivers. In color the dolphin is black above and white below, but it is said to change its color when dying. Its head is peculiarly shaped-round above and long like a beak.