DOLPHIN, in ichthyology. See DELPHINUS.
DOLPHIN of the Mass, a peculiar kind of wreath, formed of plaited cordage, to be fastened occasionally round the mass, as a support to the pudding, whose use is to sustain the weight of the fore and main yards in case the rigging or chains by which those yards are suspended should be shot away in the time of battle; a circumstance which might render their sails useless at a season when their assistance is extremely necessary. See the article PUDDING.