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whelks

 [hwelk, welk]   Origin

whelk

1   [hwelk, welk]
noun
any of several large, spiral-shelled, marine gastropods of the family Buccinidae, especially Buccinum undatum, that is used for food in Europe.
Origin:
before 900; late Middle English, aspirated variant of Middle English welk, Old English weoloc

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Whelks is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged

whelk

2   [hwelk, welk]
noun
a pimple or pustule.
Origin:
before 1000; Middle English whelke, Old English hwylca, hwelca; akin to wheal
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

whelk
"large marine snail," O.E. weoloc, wioloc, from P.Gmc. *weluka- (cf. M.Du. willoc, Du. wulk), perhaps from PIE base *wel- "to turn, revolve" (see vulva; cf. also volute). The spelling with wh- dates from 15c.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

whelk (wělk)
n.
An inflamed swelling, such as a pimple or pustule.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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