Goose-fish. a common name in America for the Angler-fish (see ANGLER). The American Goose-fish (Lophius americanus) is one of the best known of the five species of Lophius, grows to a length of 4 to 5 feet, and weighs from 15 to 170 lb. It is dark brown above and dirty white below, is hideous in appearance (being also known as 'wide gab' and 'devil-fish'), and has a most voracious appetite, preying indifferently on all kinds of fish, and eating occasionally fowls, such as gulls and ducks. It is practically useless for any purpose.
Goose-fish.
Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Volume 5: Friday to Humanitarians, p. 300
Source scan(s): p. 0311