pickerel

pick·er·el

noun \ˈpi-k(ə-)rəl\

plural pick·er·el or pick·er·els

Definition of PICKEREL

1

a dialect chiefly British : a young or small pike

b : either of two fishes resembling but smaller than the related northern pike: (1) : chain pickerel (2) : one (Esox americanus) of eastern North America having green or red fins and a black bar below and slanting away from the eye

2

: walleye 3

Origin of PICKEREL

Middle English pikerel, diminutive of pike

First Known Use: 13th century

pickerel

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of several North American pikes (family Esocidae), distinguished from the northern pike and muskellunge by their smaller size, completely scaled cheeks and gill covers, and banded or chainlike markings. The chain pickerel (Esox niger) grows to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and a weight of about 3 lbs (1.4 kg). The barred (E. americanus) and grass (E. vermiculatus) pickerels reach a maximum weight of about 1 lb (0.5 kg).