haak

Hake Hake, n. [Also {haak}.] [Akin to Norweg. hakefisk, lit., hook fish, Prov. E. hake hook, G. hecht pike. See {Hook}.] (Zo["o]l.) One of several species of marine gadoid fishes, of the genera {Phycis}, {Merlucius}, and allies. The common European hake is {Merlucius vulgaris}; the American silver hake or whiting is {Merlucius bilinearis}. Two American species ({Phycis chuss} and {Phycis tenius}) are important food fishes, and are also valued for their oil and sounds. Called also {squirrel hake}, and {codling}. [1913 Webster]