Prawn \Prawn\, n. [OE. prane, of unknown origin; cf. L. perna a
sea mussel.] (Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of large shrimplike Crustacea
having slender legs and long antenn[ae]. They mostly belong
to the genera {Pandalus}, {Pal[ae]mon}, {Pal[ae]monetes}, and
{Peneus}, and are much used as food. The common English prawn
is {Pal[ae]mon serratus}.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The name is often applied to any large shrimp.
[1913 Webster]