hard-shell clam

noun

1. quahog.

hard-shell clam

noun

1. another name for the quahog

Word History and Origins

Origin of hard-shell clam¹

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

The hard-shell clam is taking center stage this week at 16 restaurants, which are featuring the quahog in various dishes.

From Washington Times

And there is the simple hard-shell clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, the northern quahog.

From New York Times

For when we begin to consider wampum we have to begin to consider the familiar hard-shell clam of daily use, which was the basis of wampum.

From Project Gutenberg