Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BASS, n.¹ [Bass is undoubtedly a corruption of G. bars, D. baars, a perch. See Barse. It has no plural.]

The name of several species of fish. In England, this name is given to a species of perch, called by some the sea-wolf, from its voracity, and resembling, in a degree, the trout in shape, but having a larger head. It weighs about fifteen pounds. In the northern states of America, this name is given to a striped fish which grows to the weight of 25 or 30 pounds, and which enters the rivers; of the genus Labrax. A species of striped fish, of a darker color, with a large head, is called Sea-bass, as it is never found in fresh water. This fish grows to two or three pounds weight. Both species are; well tasted, but the proper bass is a very white and delicious food. – Prince. Belknap.