DCHP-1 Online

swile Nfld Dial.

• n. a seal.

  See also: swiler  swiling gun  

  • See note at swiler.

  • 1883  The food of the men is none of the daintiest and no one who is at all squeamish about what he "eats, drinks, and avoids" need attempt to go "swile huntin'."
  • 1907  "Lard God Almighty, send a swile fer daddy, an' send a swile fer mamma, and a swile fer Uncle Jim, an' wan fer Uncle Jim's wife, an' a swile fer little Tommy, an' one each fer Jarge an' Mary, an' a swile fer each of Cousin Will's family, not forgettin' a swile fer Aunt Jane what's a pore widder."
  • 1916  "Ay," says Sam ; "but I wants t' bludgeon another swile afore I dies."
  • 1932  The "swiles" [seals] had "stuck in," and all hands were out on the ice, eager to capture their share of these valuable animals.