dragnet Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a system of coordinated measures for apprehending (criminals or other individuals)
    • caught in the police dragnet
  2. noun a conical fishnet dragged through the water at great depths
    trawl; trawl net.

WordNet

Drag"net` noun
Etymology
Cf. AS. drægnet.
Definitions
  1. A net to be drawn along the bottom of a body of water, as in fishing.

Webster 1913