Main Entry: ²fish

Function: verb

Date: before 12th century

intransitive verb

1 : to attempt to catch fish
2 : to seek something by roundabout means <fishing for a compliment>
3 a : to search for something underwater <fish for pearls> b : to engage in a search by groping or feeling <fishing around in her purse for her keys>transitive verb 1 a : to try to catch fish in b : to fish with : use (as a boat, net, or bait) in fishing
2 a : to go fishing for <fish salmon> b : to pull or draw as if fishing <fished the ball from under the car> <fish wires through a conduit>

— fish·abil·i·ty \ˌfi-shə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— fish·able \ˈfi-shə-bəl\ adjective

— fish or cut bait : to make a choice between alternatives