crawfish

Meanings

Noun

• Various freshwater crustaceans, crayfish.
• Various marine crustaceans, rock lobster; especially Jasus lalandii (species), the Cape crawfish.
• A slur against Anglo-Canadians used in some corners of Quebec (including the Gaspé).

Verb

• To backpedal, desert or withdraw (also used with out).

Related

Similar words

• crawdad, crawldad, crawlfish, crayfish, mudbug, yabby

Origin

• Folk etymology from Middle English crevis, from Old French crevice, influenced by fish. Compare crayfish, French écrevisse.