mackerel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun flesh of very important usually small (to 18 in) fatty Atlantic fish
  2. noun any of various fishes of the family Scombridae

WordNet

Mack"er*el noun
Etymology
OF. maquerel, F. maquereau, fr. D. makelaar mediator, agent, fr. makelen to act as agent.
Definitions
  1. A pimp; also, a bawd. Obs. Halliwell.
Mack`er*el noun
Etymology
OF. maquerel, F. maquereau (LL. macarellus), prob. for maclereau, fr. L. macula a spot, in allusion to the markings on the fish. See Mail armor.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) Any species of the genus Scomber, and of several related genera. They are finely formed and very active oceanic fishes. Most of them are highly prized for food. ✍ The common mackerel (Scomber scombrus), which inhabits both sides of the North Atlantic, is one of the most important food fishes. It is mottled with green and blue. The Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus), of the American coast, is covered with bright yellow circular spots.
    Mackerel sky and mare's-tails Make tall ships carry low sails. Old Rhyme.

Webster 1913