Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Mackerel?

\Mack"er*el\, n. [OF. maquerel, F. maquereau, fr. D. makelaar mediator, agent, fr. makelen to act as agent.] A pimp; also, a bawd. [Obs.] --Halliwell.
\Mack`er*el\, n. [OF. maquerel, F. maquereau (LL. macarellus), prob. for maclereau, fr. L. macula a spot, in allusion to the markings on the fish. See {Mail} armor.] (Zo["o]l.) Any species of the genus {Scomber}, and of several related genera. They are finely formed and very active oceanic fishes. Most of them are highly prized for food. Note: The common mackerel ({Scomber scombrus}), which inhabits both sides of the North Atlantic, is one of the most important food fishes. It is mottled with green and blue. The Spanish mackerel ({Scomberomorus maculatus}), of the American coast, is covered with bright yellow circular spots. {Bull mackerel}, {Chub mackerel}. (Zo["o]l.) See under {Chub}. {Frigate mackerel}. See under {Frigate}. {Horse mackerel} . See under {Horse}. {Mackerel bird} (Zo["o]l.), the wryneck; -- so called because it arrives in England at the time when mackerel are in season. {Mackerel cock} (Zo["o]l.), the Manx shearwater; -- so called because it precedes the appearance of the mackerel on the east coast of Ireland. {Mackerel guide}. (Zo["o]l.) See {Garfish} (a) . {Mackerel gull} (Zo["o]l.) any one of several species of gull which feed upon or follow mackerel, as the kittiwake. {Mackerel midge} (Zo["o]l.), a very small oceanic gadoid fish of the North Atlantic. It is about an inch and a half long and has four barbels on the upper jaw. It is now considered the young of the genus {Onos}, or {Motella}. {Mackerel plow}, an instrument for creasing the sides of lean mackerel to improve their appearance. --Knight. {Mackerel shark} (Zo["o]l.), the porbeagle. {Mackerel sky}, or {Mackerel-back sky}, a sky flecked with small white clouds; a cirro-cumulus. See {Cloud}. Mackerel sky and mare's-tails Make tall ships carry low sails. --Old Rhyme.