in zoology, a genus of quadrupeds of the order of the feræ. It has six parallel fore-teeth in the upper jaw, the outermost being larger; and four blunt, parallel, distinct, equal fore-teeth in the under jaw: It has but one dog-tooth, and five or six three pointed grinders; and the hind-feet are united so as to resemble a fish's tail. There are three species, viz. 1. The urina, or sea-bear, has external ears. This animal swims with incredible swiftness: The males have often 120 females, sons, and daughters, in their train. They copulate on the shore, the female lying on their backs. They are hardly afraid of men, and bite stones when thrown at them. Each has a particular stone for his bed, which they seldom desert. They often fight for their wives and beds; when one is beat off, another makes a fresh attack, and thus succeed alternately, two never attacking one, till the whole be engaged, when they make a hideous wailing noise. They are found in the northern seas. 2. The leonina, or fælon, has a crest on his forehead. They are found near the south pole. They swim in troops, and fight for their wives. 3. The vitulina, or sea-calf, has a smooth head, without external ears. They inhabit the European ocean. They generally sleep upon stones above the water, and are easily killed by a stroke above the nose.