/but"euhr fish'/ , n. , pl. ( esp. collectively ) butterfishes , ( esp. referring to two or more kinds or species ) butterfish .
1. a small, flattened, marine food fish, Peprilus triacanthus, of Atlantic coastal waters of the U.S., having very small scales and smooth skin.
2. the rock gunnel. See under gunnel 1 .
[ 1665-75; BUTTER + FISH ]