a. 1. Of, pertaining to, or living in, water which is not salty; as, fresh-water geological deposits; a fresh-water fish; fresh-water mussels. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Accustomed to sail on fresh water only; unskilled as a seaman; as, a fresh-water sailor. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Unskilled; raw. [ Colloq. ] “Fresh-water soldiers.” Knolles.