Halibuts

/ˈhæləbəts/ noun

Definition

Plural of halibut; multiple large flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae, valued for food.

Etymology

Simple plural of 'halibut,' which comes from Middle English 'halibut' (from 'haly' meaning holy + 'but' meaning flatfish), originally fish eaten on holy days.

Kelly Says

Halibut were called 'holy fish' because they were traditionally eaten on Catholic holy days and fast days—so the name is literally 'holy flatfish,' a delicious religious observance!

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