in zoology, the general English name of a very numerous race of animals, the natural history of which is given at large under the article SIMIA; comprehending Apes, properly so called, or such as want tails; and Monkeys and Baboons, or such as have tails, the former long, and the other short, ones. See SIMIA.

Sea-Ape, a name given by Steller to a marine animal which he saw on the coast of America, and is thus described. * "The head appeared like that of a dog, p. 136, with sharp and upright ears, large eyes, and with both lips bearded: the body round and conoid; the thickest part near the head: the tail forked; the upper lobe the longest: the body covered with thick hair, grey on the back, reddish on the belly. It seemed destitute of feet. It was extremely wanton, and played a multitude of monkey-tricks. It sometimes swam on one side, sometimes on the other side of the ship; and gazed at it with great admiration. It made so near an approach to the vessel, as almost to be touched with a pole; but if any body moved, it instantly retired. It would often stand erect for a considerable space, with one-third of its body above water; then dart beneath the ship, and appear on the other side; and repeat the same thirty times together. It would frequently arise with a sea-plant, not unlike the bottle-gourd, toss it up, and catch it in its mouth, playing with it numberless fantastic tricks.