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The Collaborative International Dictionary
puff-fish

Puffer \Puff"er\, n.

  1. One who puffs; one who praises with noisy or extravagant commendation.

  2. One who is employed by the owner or seller of goods sold at suction to bid up the price; a by-bidder.
    --Bouvier.

  3. (Zo["o]l.)

    1. Any plectognath fish which inflates its body, as the species of Tetrodon and Diodon of the family Tetraodontidae; -- called also blower, puff-fish, swellfish, and globefish. They are highly poisonous due to the presence of glands containing a potent toxin, tetrodotoxin. Nevertheless they are eaten as a delicacy in Japan, being prepared by specially licensed chefs who remove the poison glands.

    2. The common, or harbor, porpoise.

  4. (Dyeing) A kier.