Pilchard
/ˈpɪltʃəd/noun
A small edible fish of the herring family, especially the European sardine.
Did you know?The origin of *pilchard* is uncertain, but historical dictionaries and etymologists generally treat it as a word of obscure or possibly regional origin rather than a neatly traceable classical compound.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
English
pilchard
“A small fish similar to a sardine, especially abundant around the coasts of Britain.”
16th Century
English
pilchard
“An established regional and commercial fish name in English usage.”
Unknown
Unknown
—
“No securely documented earlier source has been established by standard etymological reference works.”
Modern English
English
pilchard
“The common name for a small schooling fish related to sardines.”