n. [ AS. fiscere. ] 1. One who fishes. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) A carnivorous animal of the Weasel family (Mustela Canadensis); the pekan; the “black cat.” [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Fishermen 1. One whose occupation is to catch fish. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Naut.) A ship or vessel employed in the business of taking fish, as in the cod fishery. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Fisheries 1. The business or practice of catching fish; fishing. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A place for catching fish. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Law) The right to take fish at a certain place, or in particular waters. Abbott. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of birds constituting the family Alcedinidæ. Most of them feed upon fishes which they capture by diving and seizing them with the beak; others feed only upon reptiles, insects, etc. About one hundred and fifty species are known. They are found in nearly all parts of the world, but are particularly abundant in the East Indies. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The belted king-fisher of the United States (Ceryle alcyon) feeds upon fishes. It is slate-blue above, with a white belly and breast, and a broad white ring around the neck. A dark band crosses the breast. The common European species (Alcedo ispida), which is much smaller and brighter colored, is also a fisher. See Alcedo. The wood kingfishers (Halcyones), which inhabit forests, especially in Africa, feed largely upon insects, but also eat reptiles, snails, and small Crustacea, as well as fishes. The giant kingfisher of Australia feeds largely upon lizards and insects. See Laughing jackass, under Laughing. [ 1913 Webster ]