Freshwater fish with stripes and fearsome aspect,its awful symmetry lessened for humans by its size (two or three inches). The Tom Thumb tiger of the river world, and in particular the River Lugg, which is named after a (norse?) river God. Hides under stones and blends into the dapples. So it takes expertise and perseverance to catch them and bring them home to live in a jam jar.

Strangely enough, I never remember any of my bullheads dying. Perhaps they were immortal. Thou wast not born for death, immortal fish.

Bull"head` (?), n.

1. Zool. (a)

A fresh-water fish of many species, of the genus Uranidea, esp. U. gobio of Europe, and U. Richardsoni of the United States; -- called also miller's thumb.

(b)

In America, several species of Amiurus; -- called also catfish, horned pout, and bullpout.

(c)

A marine fish of the genus Cottus; the sculpin.

2. Zool. (a)

The black-bellied plover (Squatarola helvetica); -- called also beetlehead.

(b)

The golden plover.

3.

A stupid fellow; a lubber.

[Colloq.]

Jonson.

4. Zool.

A small black water insect.

E. Phillips.

Bullhead whiting Zool., the kingfish of Florida (Menticirrus alburnus).

 

© Webster 1913.