DCHP-1 Online
water-horse [origin unknown] Nfld. 
1 n. newly washed fish.
- 1777 (1792) Fourteen quintals of fish were washed, the water horse was carried off, and the green fish were spread.
- 1819 . . . bulk of fish left to drain after being washed and previous to its being spread for drying, is called the water-horse, a name which sets at defiance all penetration and learning of the deepest etymologist.
- 1861 . . . the water-horse is carried on hand-barrows, and placed, back downwards, on "flakes" . . . .
- 1944 When a fine day does appear, it is not always suitable for drying "water horse" . . . .
2 n. a pile of newly washed fish. Cp. bulk.
See also: bulk
- 1818 The fish are then . . . piled up to drain; and the heap . . . is styled "a water-horse."
- 1828 (1832) The fish is then . . . piled in a long heap, called by the unintelligible name of "water-horse," for the purpose of draining.
- 1840 (1860) Further to complete the draining, they are piled in long heaps, bearing the odd name of water-horses.
- 1861 This pile is called a water-horse.
- 1777 (1792) Fourteen quintals of fish were washed, the water horse was carried off, and the green fish were spread.