/kat"fish'/ , n. pl. ( esp. collectively ) catfish , ( esp. referring to two or more kinds or species ) catfishes .
1. any of the numerous fishes of the order or suborder Nematognathi (or Siluroidei), characterized by barbels around the mouth and the absence of scales.
2. a wolffish of the genus Anarhichas.
3. any of various other fishes having a fancied resemblance to a cat.
[ 1605-15; CAT 1 + FISH ]