Morlaks or Morlachians

Morlaks or Morlachians (Slav. Primortzi, i.e., "adjoining the sea"), the name of a rude people of uncertain origin, inhabiting the mountainous coast-land of Dalmatia, the Croatian military frontier, and the maritime districts of Austro-MHungary. They speak a south Slavic dialect, and are mostly Roman Catholics. They are skilful mariners. The strait which separates the islands of Veglia, Arbe, and Pago from the same coast is generally called from them the Strait of Morlacca.