The Collaborative International Dictionary
Cod \Cod\, n. [Cf. G. gadde, and (in Heligoland) gadden, L. gadus merlangus.] (Zo["o]l.) An important edible fish ( Gadus morrhua), taken in immense numbers on the northern coasts of Europe and America. It is especially abundant and large on the Grand Bank of Newfoundland. It is salted and dried in large quantities.
Note: There are several varieties; as shore cod, from shallow water; bank cod, from the distant banks; and rock cod, which is found among ledges, and is often dark brown or mottled with red. The tomcod is a distinct species of small size. The bastard, blue, buffalo, or cultus cod of the Pacific coast belongs to a distinct family. See Buffalo cod, under Buffalo.
Cod fishery, the business of fishing for cod.
Cod line, an eighteen-thread line used in catching codfish.
--McElrath.
[1913 Webster] ||
Usage examples of "cod line".
He swung the bait round his head, letting the heavy cod line pay out with each swing, until at last he released it and sent it with the chain leader to streak far out across the green surface.
He had tied a piece of cod line round the right-hand side of the half-wheel and taken it down to his thigh, so that the weight of his leg helped to ease the strain upon his wrists.
It was not much, but it was like a piece of cod line to a drowning man.