from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Weever \Wee"ver\, n. [Probably from F. vive, OF. vivre, a kind
of fish, L. vipera viper. Cf. {Viper}.] (Zool.)
Any one of several species of edible marine fishes belonging
to the genus {Trachinus}, of the family {Trachinidae}. They
have a broad spinose head, with the eyes looking upward. The
long dorsal fin is supported by numerous strong, sharp spines
which cause painful wounds.
[1913 Webster]
[1913 Webster]
Note: The two British species are the great, or greater,
weever ({Trachinus draco}), which becomes a foot long
(called also {gowdie}, {sea cat}, {stingbull}, and
{weaverfish}), and the lesser weever ({Trachinus
vipera}), about half as large (called also {otter
pike}, and {stingfish}).
[1913 Webster]