n. 1 a any of several aquatic fish-eating mammals of the family Mustelidae, esp. of the genus Lutra, having strong claws and webbed feet. b its fur or pelt. 2 = sea otter. 3 a piece of board used to carry fishing-bait in water. 4 a type of paravane, esp. as used on non-naval craft. otter-board a device for keeping the mouth of a trawl-net open. otter-dog (or -hound) a dog of a breed used in otter-hunting.
[ OE otr, ot(t)or f. Gmc ]