DCHP-1 Online

swiler swoiler Nfld Dial.

• n. a person taking part in the seal fishery.

  See also: seal hunter (def. 1)  swile  

  • Also spelled swoiler to indicate the regional pronunciation ['swɔɪlɚ] and similar variants.

  • 1883  In the last week of February, the roads leading from the various out-ports of St. John's, begin to be enlivened by the appearance of the sealers, or, as they are called in the vernacular, "swilers," their enterprise being designated "swile huntin'."
  • 1958  She sailed on the 1st of March, 1872 with Skipper Ned Dower in command, and a crew of able "swoilers."
  • 1966  Mr. Robichaud, bundled in parka and bright yellow toque, mingled with a group of blood-spattered swilers, questioning them closely on their killing methods.