basking shark

A shark, called in English also the Sun-fish and the Sail-fish, and by zoologists Selachus maximus. As its name maximus imports, it is the largest known shark, sometimes reaching thirty-six feet in length, but it has little of the ferocity seen in its immediate allies. It is called "basking" because it has a habit of lying motionle on the water, as if enjoying the warmth of the It inhabits the Northern seas, but is occasionally found on our shores. [SELACHUS.] * bās'-nạt (pl. bās'-nat-is), s. [Fr. basinette, dim in. from ba in = a bason.] A small basin; a little bowl. (Scotch.) sun. "... twa blank at is, price viija: twa targe at is, price of pece xs.: thre basnatis , price of the pece, xiijs. iiijd." Act. Dom . Conc., A. 1491, p. 195. (Jamie son.)