Word Study
Capelin
CIDE DICTIONARY
Capelin, n. [Cf. F. capelan, caplan.].
Either of two small marine fishes formerly classified in the family Salmonidæ , now within the smelt family Osmeridae : Mallotus villosus , very abundant on the coasts of Greenland, Iceland, Newfoundland, and Alaska; or Mallotus catervarius , found in the North Pacific. The Atlantic variety has been used as a bait for the cod. [1913 Webster]
" This fish, which is like a smelt, is called by the Spaniards anchova, and by the Portuguese capelina. However the anchovy used as a food is a different fish." Fisheries of U. S. (1884). [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Capelin, n. (also caplin) a small smeltlike fish, Mallotus villosus, of the N. Atlantic, used as food and as bait for catching cod etc.
Etymology
F f. Prov. capelan: see CHAPLAIN
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