— whelpless , adj.
/hwelp, welp/ , n.
1. the young of the dog, or of the wolf, bear, lion, tiger, seal, etc.
2. a youth, esp. an impudent or despised one.
3. Mach.
a. any of a series of longitudinal projections or ridges on the barrel of a capstan, windlass, etc.
b. any of the teeth of a sprocket wheel.
v.t. , v.i.
4. (of a female dog, lion, etc.) to give birth to (young).
[ bef. 900; (n.) ME; OE hwelp (c. G Welf ); (v.) ME whelpen, deriv. of the n. ]
Syn. 2. brat, urchin, whippersnapper.