Emily Dickinson Lexicon

WHELP, n. [Dan. hvalp; Sw. valp; D. welp. This word coincides in elements with wolf, L. vulpes.]

1. The young of the canine species, and of several other beasts of prey a puppy; a cub; as, a bear robbed of her whelps; lion's whelps.
2. A son; in contempt. – Shak.
3. A young man; in contempt. – Addison.