halibut

Meaning

Noun

• A large flatfish of the genus Hippoglossus, which sometimes leaves the ocean floor and swims vertically.

Origin

• From Middle English *halibutt, equivalent to holy + butt#Etymology 4, since the fish was often eaten on holy days. Compare Dutch heilbot, German Heiligbutt, Heilbutt, Heilbutte. Compare also Danish helleflynder, Swedish helgeflundra.