from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Croaker \Croak"er\ (-?r), n.
1. One who croaks, murmurs, grumbles, or complains
unreasonably; one who habitually forebodes evil.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Zool.)
(a) A small American fish ({Micropogon undulatus}), of the
Atlantic coast.
(a) An American fresh-water fish ({Aplodinotus
grunniens}); -- called also {drum}.
(c) The surf fish of California.
[1913 Webster]
Note: When caught these fishes make a croaking sound; whence
the name, which is often corrupted into crocus.