The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Whelk \Whelk\ (hw[e^]lk), n. [OE. welk, wilk, AS. weoloc, weloc,
   wiloc. Cf. Whilk, and Wilk.] (Zool.)
   Any one numerous species of large marine gastropods belonging
   to Buccinum and allied genera; especially, Buccinum
   undatum, common on the coasts both of Europe and North
   America, and much used as food in Europe.
   [1913 Webster]

   Whelk tingle, a dog whelk. See under Dog.
      [1913 Webster]