DCHP-1 Online

muskellunge [Algonk.: Ojibwa ; cf. maskinonge]

• n. a large species of pike, Esox masquinongy, weighing up to 80 pounds, found principally in the Great Lakes system. Many spellings.

  See also: maskinonge  

  • Spellings vary greatly in early writings. See 1963 quote at maskinonge.

  • 1794  (1911)  . . . I reached the spot where they were catching maskalonge, a superior kind of pike, and pickerall.
  • 1896  He gives us himself amongst the various forms--muscalonge, muskellunge and muskallonge. . . .
  • 1966  [Caption] Muskellunge are the meanest, roughest fresh-water fighters in Canada. . . .