HARPOON', n. [Gr. to seize with the claws; probably L. rapio, by transposition of letters.]
A harping-iron; a spear or javelin, used to strike whales for killing them. It consists of a long shank, with a broad flat triangular head, sharpened at both edges for penetrating the whale with facility. It is generally thrown by hand.
HARPOON', v.t. To strike, catch or kill with a harpoon.
The beluga is usually caught in nets, but is sometimes harpooned.
