from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cod \Cod\, n. [Cf. G. gadde, and (in Heligoland) gadden, L.
gadus merlangus.] (Zool.)
An important edible fish ({Gadus morrhua}), taken in immense
numbers on the northern coasts of Europe and America. It is
especially abundant and large on the Grand Bank of
Newfoundland. It is salted and dried in large quantities.
[1913 Webster]
Note: There are several varieties; as {shore cod}, from
shallow water; {bank cod}, from the distant banks; and
{rock cod}, which is found among ledges, and is often
dark brown or mottled with red. The {tomcod} is a
distinct species of small size. The {bastard}, {blue},
{buffalo}, or {cultus cod} of the Pacific coast belongs
to a distinct family. See {Buffalo cod}, under
{Buffalo}.
[1913 Webster]
{Cod fishery}, the business of fishing for cod.
{Cod line}, an eighteen-thread line used in catching codfish.
--McElrath.
[1913 Webster]