Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SE'PI-A, n. [Gr. σηπια and σιπύη, a bag.]

This term comprehends several genera of cephalopodous mollusca; as the Octopus, Loligo, etc. This term is also the name of an individual genus of this group. Most of these animals have an internal sack containing a natural ink, that is, a carbonaceous matter suspended in water by the intervention of gelatine. This they emit, when pursued by enemies, by which the water is so discolored, that they are often enabled to effect their escape. These animals are called cuttle-fish, though they are not true fishes.