crayfish, noun
- Origin:
- British EnglishFrenchShow more Transferred use of British English crayfish a name applied especially to the langouste Palinurus vulgaris (from French crevice, crevis freshwater crustacean); cf. crawfish.
Any of several species of spiny lobster of the Palinuridae, especially the Cape or South African spiny rock lobster Jasus lalandii (see kreef), but also Palinurus delagoae and P. gilchristi, and the langouste, P. vulgaris; Cape lobster, see Cape sense 2 a; crawfish; rock lobster. Also attributive.
- Note:
- Confined in its distribution to the west coast of southern Africa, Jasus lalandii is commercially the most important of the rock lobsters.
1831 S. Afr. Almanac & Dir. Jan.Fish in Season. Hottentot, red and white Stumpnose, Harder, Roman, red Steenbrassem, Mackarel, Gurnet, Oyster, Crayfish, Shrimp, Mussles, Klip Fish, Smelt, Sole, &c.
1988 Style Feb. 18What is the difference between crayfish and lobster? ‘None at all...The crayfish is one of the few sea creatures to have its name changed by law. We couldn’t sell crayfish in the States so we changed its name to lobster.’
Any of several species of spiny lobster of the Palinuridae, especially the Cape or South African spiny rock lobster Jasus lalandii (see kreef), but also Palinurus delagoae and P. gilchristi, and the langouste, P. vulgaris; Cape lobster, see Cape sense 2 a; crawfish; rock lobster. Also attributive.
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