crawfish meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

crawfish

noun

/ˈkɹɔˌfɪʃ/

Etymology 1620s, folk etymology from Middle English crevis, from Old French crevice (French écrevisse), influenced by fish. Compare crayfish.

Louisiana, Southern US, Texas, US, Western, Especially Any of various freshwater crustaceans: crayfish.

South Africa Any of various marine crustaceans, rock lobster; especially Jasus lalandii, the Cape crawfish.

Canada, Quebec, Derogatory, Slang An English-Canadian. Used in some corners of Quebec (including the Gaspé).

verb

Etymology 1620s, folk etymology from Middle English crevis, from Old French crevice (French écrevisse), influenced by fish. Compare crayfish.

To fish for crawfish.

As a matter of fact I had to go off at a moment's notice to arrange our connection at the coast. Fellow owning the bungalow wanted to crawfish.1934, Ernest Bramah, The Bravo of London:

Southern US, Colloquial To backpedal, desert or withdraw (also used with out).

I have never been one to flinch or crawfish when faced with an unpleasant task.1968, Charles Portis, True Grit:

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.