Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Bass \Bass\, n.; pl. {Bass}, and sometimes {Basses}. [A
   corruption of barse.] (Zo["o]l.)
   1. An edible, spiny-finned fish, esp. of the genera {Roccus},
      {Labrax}, and related genera. There are many species.

   Note: The common European bass is {Labrax lupus}. American
         species are: the striped bass ({Roccus lineatus});
         white or silver bass of the lakes. ({R. chrysops});
         brass or yellow bass ({R. interruptus}).

   2. The two American fresh-water species of black bass (genus
      {Micropterus}). See {Black bass}.

   3. Species of {Serranus}, the sea bass and rock bass. See
      {Sea bass}.

   4. The southern, red, or channel bass ({Sci[ae]na ocellata}).
      See {Redfish}.

   Note: The name is also applied to many other fishes. See
         {Calico bass}, under {Calico}.