local. Also whitch. [prob. a use of WITCH sb.2, the name being given on account of the uncanny appearance of the fish; cf. uses of L. sāga, F. sorcière, It. strega.] The flat-fish Pleuronectes cynoglossus, resembling the lemon sole; applied also to similar fishes.
1879. Satchell, Provis. Index Fish Names, 9. Pleuronectes microcephalus … Lemon-Dab, Lemon Sole,… Witch. Hippoglossoides limandoides,… Long-Fleuk,… Witch.
1882. Academy, 14 Oct., 280/2. WHITCHES.—These fish, well known in Grimsby and Manchester…. The term is used exclusively in the trade to denote … the craig-fluke (Pleuronectes cynoglossus, Lin.), a kind of dab, which is taken in considerable numbers in the North Sea.
1904. Times, 23 Feb., 12/1. The heaviest consignments being those of plaice, dead cod, witches, smelts, and herrings.
