1. Plural of dauphin; the title of the heir to the French throne, or a person holding this title.
Usage: historical; often capitalized when referring to a specific historical figure
2. Plural of dauphin; a large marine mammal of the dolphin family.
Usage: variant spelling of dolphins in some contexts; less common in modern English

Examples

• The dauphins of France were groomed from childhood to rule the kingdom.
• Several dauphins died before reaching the throne due to illness or accident.
• The title of dauphin was abolished after the French Revolution, so there are no modern dauphins.
• Historical records document the lives of many dauphins throughout the medieval and Renaissance periods.