from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Whalebone \Whale"bone`\, n.
A firm, elastic substance resembling horn, taken from the
upper jaw of the right whale; baleen. It is used as a
stiffening in stays, fans, screens, and for various other
purposes. See {Baleen}.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Whalebone is chiefly obtained from the bowhead, or
Greenland, whale, the Biscay whale, and the Antarctic,
or southern, whale. It is prepared for manufacture by
being softened by boiling, and dyed black.
[1913 Webster]