[f. COULTER + NEB beak, bill; so called from the shape of its bill.] A local (northern) name for the Puffin (Fratercula arctica).
1678. Ray, Willughby’s Ornith., 325. The Bird called Coulterneb at the Farn Islands.
1769. De Foe’s Tour Gt. Brit., IV. 308. The Sea-fowl, called Coulternebs, are very numerous here.
1865. Gosse, Land & Sea, 30. These are known by the fishermen as sea parrots or coulternebs; but are more generally designated in books as puffins.
1881. Standard, 2 March, 5/2. It [the Act] includes the coulterneb, [etc.].
