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trawl

To take fish, or other marine animals, with a trawl.

Origin: OF. Trauler, troller, F. Troter, to drag about, to stroll about; probably of Teutonic origin. Cf. Troll.

1. A fishing line, often extending a mile or more, having many short lines bearing hooks attached to it. It is used for catching cod, halibut, etc.; a boulter.

2. A large bag net attached to a beam with iron frames at its ends, and dragged at the bottom of the sea, used in fishing, and in gathering forms of marine life from the sea bottom.