DCHP-2

swiler swoiler Nfld Dial. DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

THIS ENTRY MAY CONTAIN OUTDATED INFORMATION, TERMS and EXAMPLES

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.