n. & v.
--n.
1. a young dog; a puppy.
2 archaic a cub.
3 an ill-mannered child or youth.
4 (esp. in pl.) a projection on the barrel of a capstan or windlass.
--v.tr. (also absol.)
1. bring forth (a whelp or whelps).
2 derog. (of a human mother) give birth to.
3 originate (an evil scheme etc.).
Etymology: OE hwelp