alewhap

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search

English[edit]

Noun[edit]

alewhap (plural alewhaps)

  1. (obsolete, regional) an alewife
    • 1877, John Russell Bartlett, Dictionary of Americanisms: A Glossary of Words and Phrases, Usually Regarded as Peculiar to the United States:
      Alewife plur. Alewives. (Alosa Vernalis Storer.) A fish of the herring kind, abounding in the waters of New England . In Mary-land and Virginia they are called "old wives;" Alewhap, plur. Alewhaps, in Connecticut