Delphyn

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An old spelling for a dolphin, a sleek toothed sea mammal that is closely related to whales and porpoises
2. Archaic form meaning a dolphin, the playful aquatic creature known for its intelligence and curved swimming
3. A former variant spelling referring to a dolphin, a warm-blooded marine animal that breathes air through a blowhole

Etymology: The spelling "delphyn" is an older form of "dolphin," and its story runs from ancient Greek through French. The Greek word was "delphis," which Romans borrowed as "delphinus." Through Old French it became "daulphin," and English adopted that form, which later changed to the spelling we use today. The French spelling has a second life. "Dauphin" was also the title of the lords of the Dauphiné region, whose coat of arms showed dolphins. When that territory passed to the French crown, the title went to the heir to the throne, so the same word came to name a prince as well as a sea mammal. The Greek origin of "delphis" itself is uncertain, and scholars have proposed several connections without settling on one.