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squid

1. (Science: zoology) Any one of numerous species of ten-armed cephalopods having a long, tapered body, and a caudal fin on each side; especially, any species of loligo, Ommastrephes, and related genera. See Calamary, decacerata, dibranchiata.

Some of these squids are very abundant on the atlantic coast of North America, and are used in large quantities for bait, especially in the cod fishery. The most abundant of the American squids are the northern squid (Ommastrephes illecebrosus), ranging from southern new England to newfoundland, and the southern squid (loligo Pealii), ranging from virginia to Massachusetts.

2. A fishhook with a piece of bright lead, bone, or other substance, fastened on its shank to imitate a squid. Flying squid, giant squid.

(Science: zoology) The striped bass.

Origin: Cf. Squirt.