The Collaborative International Dictionary
Roach \Roach\, n. [OE. rroche; cf. AS. reohha, D. rog, roch, G. roche, LG. ruche, Dan. rokke ray, Sw. rocka, and E. ray a fish.]
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(Zo["o]l.)
A European fresh-water fish of the Carp family ( Leuciscus rutilus). It is silver-white, with a greenish back.
An American chub ( Semotilus bullaris); the fallfish.
The redfin, or shiner.
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(Naut.) A convex curve or arch cut in the edge of a sail to prevent chafing, or to secure a better fit.
As sound as a roach [roach perhaps being a corruption of a F. roche a rock], perfectly sound.
Fallfish \Fall"fish`\, n. (Zo["o]l.) A fresh-water fish of the United States ( Semotilus bullaris); -- called also silver chub, and Shiner. The name is also applied to other allied species.