%weever%

n. [ Probably from F. vive, OF. vivre, a kind of fish, L. vipera viper. Cf. Viper. ] (Zool.) Any one of several species of edible marine fishes belonging to the genus Trachinus, of the family Trachinidae. They have a broad spinose head, with the eyes looking upward. The long dorsal fin is supported by numerous strong, sharp spines which cause painful wounds. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The two British species are the great, or greater, weever (Trachinus draco), which becomes a foot long (called also gowdie, sea cat, stingbull, and weaverfish), and the lesser weever (Trachinus vipera), about half as large (called also otter pike, and stingfish). [ 1913 Webster ]