A professional fisherman whose job is to catch eels, often using specialized traps, nets, or spears.
Compound of 'eel' and 'catcher' (from Old English 'cæccan' meaning to seize). Common occupation in medieval and early modern Europe.
Eelcatchers were so important to medieval economies that they had guild protections and specific rights to river territories—eels provided protein, fat for oil lamps, and skin for leather.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.