Hypomesus olidus

Smelt Smelt, n. [AS. smelt, smylt; akin to Dan. smelt.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small silvery salmonoid fishes of the genus {Osmerus} and allied genera, which ascend rivers to spawn, and sometimes become landlocked in lakes. They are esteemed as food, and have a peculiar odor and taste. [1913 Webster]

Note: The most important species are the European smelt ({Osmerus eperlans}) (called also {eperlan}, {sparling}, and {spirling}), the Eastern American smelt ({O. mordax}), the California smelt ({O. thalichthys}), and the surf smelt ({Hypomesus olidus}). The name is loosely applied to various other small fishes, as the lant, the California tomcod, the spawn eater, the silverside. [1913 Webster]

2. Fig.: A gull; a simpleton. [Obs.] --Beau. & Fl. [1913 Webster]

{Sand smelt} (Zo["o]l.), the silverside. [1913 Webster]