Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Whelk \Whelk\, n. [OE. welk, wilk, AS. weoloc, weloc, wiloc. Cf.
   {Whilk}, and {Wilk}.] (Zo["o]l.)
   Any one numerous species of large marine gastropods belonging
   to {Buccinum} and allied genera; especially, {Buccinum
   undatum}, common on the coasts both of Europe and North
   America, and much used as food in Europe.

   {Whelk tingle}, a dog whelk. See under {Dog}.