Stickleback \Stic"kle*back`\, n. [OE. & Prov E. stickle a
prickle, spine, sting (AS. sticel) + back. See {Stick}, v.
t., and cf. {Banstickle}.] (Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of small fishes of the genus
{Gasterosteus} and allied genera. The back is armed with two
or more sharp spines. They inhabit both salt and brackish
water, and construct curious nests. Called also {sticklebag},
{sharpling}, and {prickleback}.
[1913 Webster]