Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
wrasse [ras] ExamplesWord Origin noun
- any of various marine fishes of the family Labridae, especially of the genus Labrus, having thick, fleshy lips, powerful teeth, and usually a brilliant color, certain species being valued as food fishes.
Origin of wrasse 1665–75; apparently originally a plural of dial. (Cornwall) wrah, wraugh, wrath Cornish wragh, lenited form of gwragh literally, old woman, hag; compare Welsh gwrach(en), Breton gwrac’h, also with both senses Examples from the Web for wrasse Historical Examples of wrasse
Wrasse From Sicily brought to their table, alive in his own Sea water.
Petronius Arbiter
The Wrasse has been retaken after a considerable period; therefore it is not dead.
Quarterly Journal of Science, Literature and the Arts, July-December, 1827
Various
The wrasse brought from dangerous Syrtis is much more esteemed When fishing-boats founder!
Petronius Arbiter
British Dictionary definitions for wrasse wrasse noun
- any marine percoid fish of the family Labridae, of tropical and temperate seas, having thick lips, strong teeth, and usually a bright coloration: many are used as food fishes
Word Origin for wrasse C17: from Cornish wrach; related to Welsh gwrach old woman Word Origin and History for wrasse n.
1670s, from Cornish wrach, related to Welsh gurach.