from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Bass \Bass\ (b[.a]s), n.; pl. {Bass}, and sometimes {Basses}
(b[.a]s"[e^]z). [A corruption of barse.] (Zool.)
1. An edible, spiny-finned fish, esp. of the genera {Roccus},
{Labrax}, and related genera. There are many species.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The common European bass is {Labrax lupus}. American
species are: the striped bass ({Roccus lineatus});
white or silver bass of the lakes ({Roccus chrysops});
brass or yellow bass ({Roccus interruptus}).
[1913 Webster]
2. The two American fresh-water species of black bass (genus
{Micropterus}). See {Black bass}.
[1913 Webster]
3. Species of {Serranus}, the sea bass and rock bass. See
{Sea bass}.
[1913 Webster]
4. The southern, red, or channel bass ({Sci[ae]na ocellata}).
See {Redfish}.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The name is also applied to many other fishes. See
{Calico bass}, under {Calico}.
[1913 Webster]