DCHP-3

water-horse

[origin unknown]
Nfld.
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n.

newly washed fish.

Quotations

1777
Fourteen quintals of fish were washed, the water horse was carried off, and the green fish were spread.
1819
. . . bulk of fish left to drain after being washed and previous to its being spread for drying, is called the water-horse, a name which sets at defiance all penetration and learning of the deepest etymologist.
1861
. . . the water-horse is carried on hand-barrows, and placed, back downwards, on "flakes" . . . .
1944
When a fine day does appear, it is not always suitable for drying "water horse" . . . .
2n.

a pile of newly washed fish. Cp. bulk.

See: bulk

Quotations

1818
The fish are then . . . piled up to drain; and the heap . . . is styled "a water-horse."
1828
The fish is then . . . piled in a long heap, called by the unintelligible name of "water-horse," for the purpose of draining.
1840
Further to complete the draining, they are piled in long heaps, bearing the odd name of water-horses.
1861
This pile is called a water-horse.