/tom"kod'/ , n. , pl. ( esp. collectively ) tomcod , ( esp. referring to two or more kinds or species ) tomcods .
1. either of two small cods, Microgadus tomcod, of the Atlantic Ocean, or M. proximus, of the Pacific Ocean.
2. any of various similar fishes. Also called tommycod .
[ 1715-25; TOM (THUMB) + COD 1 ]