/spear"fish'/ , n. , pl. ( esp. collectively ) spearfish , ( esp. referring to two or more kinds or species ) spearfishes , v.
n.
1. any of several fishes of the genus Tetrapturus, resembling the sailfish but having the first dorsal fin much less developed: inhabiting all seas, but rare.
2. any of several related fishes.
v.i.
3. to fish underwater using a spearlike implement used manually or propelled mechanically.
[ 1880-85, Amer.; SPEAR 1 + FISH ]