[fish] n, pl fish or fish.es often attrib [ME, fr. OE fisc; akin to OHG fisc fish, L piscis] (bef. 12c) 1 a: an aquatic animal--usu. used in combination "starfish" "cuttlefish" b: any of numerous cold-blooded strictly aquatic craniate vertebrates that include the bony fishes and usu. the cartilaginous and jawless fishes and that have typically an elongated somewhat spindle-shaped body terminating in a broad caudal fin, limbs in the form of fins when present at all, and a 2-chambered heart by which blood is sent through thoracic gills to be oxygenated
2: the flesh of fish used as food 3 a: a person who is caught or is wanted (as in a criminal investigation) b: fellow, person "an odd ~" c: sucker 5a
4: something that resembles a fish: as a pl, cap: pisces 1, 2a b: torpedo 2b -- fish.less adj -- fish.like adj -- fish out of water : a person who is in an unnatural or uncomfortable sphere or situation -- fish to fry : concerns or interests to pursue--usu. used with other -- neither fish nor fowl : one that does not belong to a particular class or category
[2]fish vi (bef. 12c) 1: to attempt to catch fish
2: to seek something by roundabout means "~ing for a compliment" 3 a: to search for something underwater "~ for pearls" b: to engage in a search by groping or feeling "~ing around in her purse for her keys" ~ vt 1 a: to try to catch fish in b: to fish with: use (as a boat, net, or bait) in fishing
2. a: to go fishing for "~ salmon" b: to pull or draw as if fishing "~ed the ball from under the car" "~ wires through a conduit" -- fish.abil.i.ty n -- fish.able adj -- fish or cut bait : to make a choice between alternatives