subs. (American).—1. Anything extraordinary of its kind, also WHALE, e.g., ‘a regular WHALE’: see WHOPPER. Hence WHALING = overwhelming.
1840. LONGSTREET, Georgia Scenes, 184. ‘He’s a WHALER!’ said Rory; ‘but his face is mighty little for his body and legs.’
2. (Australian).—A SUNDOWNER (q.v.): i.e., one who cruises about.
1893. Sydney Morning Herald, 12 Aug., 8. 8. The nomad, the WHALER, it is who will find the new order hostile to his vested interest of doing nothing.
