Main Entry:

²fish

Function:

verb

Date:

before 12th century

intransitive verb

1: to attempt to catch fish2: 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 verb1 a: to try to catch fish in b: to fish with : use (as a boat, net, or bait) in fishing2 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