Sprat \Sprat\ (spr[a^]t), n. [OE. sprot, sprotte, D. sprot; akin
to G. sprotte.] (Zool.)
(a) A small European herring ({Clupea sprattus}) closely
allied to the common herring and the pilchard; -- called
also {garvie}. The name is also applied to small herring
of different kinds.
(b) A California surf-fish ({Rhacochilus toxotes}); -- called
also {alfione}, and {perch}.
[1913 Webster]
{Sprat borer} (Zool.), the red-throated diver; -- so called
from its fondness for sprats. See {Diver}.
{Sprat loon}. (Zool.)
(a) The young of the great northern diver. [Prov. Eng.]
(b) The red-throated diver. See {Diver}.
{Sprat mew} (Zool.), the kittiwake gull.
[1913 Webster]