~ 1
(also ~fish )
■ noun ( plural same) a large marine fish with a small barbel on the chin, important as a food fish. [ Gadus morhua (N. Atlantic) and other species, family Gadidae.]
Origin
ME: perh. the same word as OE ~(d) 'bag', because of the fish's appearance.
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~ 2 Brit.
informal
■ adjective not authentic; fake: a ~ French accent.
■ noun a joke or hoax.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ding , ~ded ) play a joke on.
Origin
C19: perh. from sl. ~ 'a fool'.
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~ 3
■ noun Brit. informal, dated nonsense.
Origin
1960s: abbrev. of ~swallop .