Roach (?), n. Zool.
A cockroach.
© Webster 1913.
Roach, n. [OE. rroche; cf. AS. reohha, D. rog, roch, G. roche, LG. ruche, Dan. rokke ray, Sw. rocka, and E. ray a fish.]
1. Zool. (a)
A European fresh-water fish of the Carp family (Leuciscus rutilus). It is silver-white, with a greenish back.
(b)
An American chub (Semotilus bullaris); the fallfish.
(c)
The redfin, or shiner.
2. Naut.
A convex curve or arch cut in the edge of a sail to prevent chafing, or to secure a better fit.
As sound as a roach [roach perhaps being a corruption of a F. roche a rock], perfectly sound.
© Webster 1913.
Roach, v. t.
1.
To cause to arch.
2.
To cut off, as a horse's mane, so that the part left shall stand upright.
© Webster 1913.