FISH (O. Eng. fist, a word

See also:

• COMMON

common to

See also:

• TEUTONIC
• TEUTONIC (GERMANIC) LANGUAGES

Teutonic

See also:

• LANGUAGES

languages, cf. Dutch visch, Ger. Fisch, Goth. fisks, cognate with the

See also:

• LAT

Lat. piscis)  , the common name of that class of vertebrate animals which lives exclusively in water, breathes through gills, and whose limbs take the form of fins (see ICHTHYOLOGY) . The article FISHERIES deals with the subject from the economic and commercial point of view, and ANGLING with the catching offish as a sport . The constellation and sign of the zodiac known as " the fishes " is treated under PISCES . The fish was an early symbol of Christ in primitive and medieval Christian art . The origin is to be found in the initial letters of the names and titles of Jesus in Greek, viz . 'Invoi-S XplaTSs, Oeoi 'Tros, ZwrnP, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour, which together spell the Greek word for " fish," 1X961 . The fish is also said to be represented in the oval-shaped figure, pointed at both ends, and formed by the intersection of two circles . This figure, also known as the vesica piscis, is common in ecclesiastical seals and as a glory or aureole it paintings of sculpture, surrounding figures of the Trinity, saints, &c . The figure is, however, sometimes referred to the almond, as typifying virginity; the French name for the symbol is Amande mystique . The word " fish " is used in many technical senses . Thus it is used of the purchase used in raising the flukes of an' anchor to the bill-board; of a piece of wood or metal used to strengthen a sprung mast or yard; and of a plate of metal used, as in railway construction, for the strengthening of the meeting-place of two rails . This word is of doubtful origin, but it is probably an adaptation of the Fr. fiche, that which " fixes," a peg .

This word also appears in the

English form " fish," in the metal, pearl or bone counters, sometimes made in the form of fish, used for scoring points, &c., in many games .