Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.