from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sheepshead \Sheeps"head`\, n. [So called because of the fancied
resemblance of its head and front teeth to those of a sheep.]
(Zool.)
A large and valuable sparoid food fish ({Archosargus
probatocephalus} syn. {Diplodus probatocephalus}) found on
the Atlantic coast of the United States. It often weighs from
ten to twelve pounds.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The name is also locally, in a loose way, applied to
various other fishes, as the butterfish, the
fresh-water drumfish, the parrot fish, the porgy, and
the moonfish.
[1913 Webster]