ROACHING

ROACH

Roach, n. (Zoöl.)

Definition: A cockroach.

Roach, n. Etym: [OE. rroche; cf. AS. reohha, D. rog, roch, G. roche, LG. ruche, Dan. rokke ray, Sw. rocka, and E. ray a fish.]

1. (Zoöl.) (a) A European fresh-water fish of the Carp family (Leuciscus rutilus). It is silver-white, with a greenish back. (b) An American chub (Semotilus bullaris); the fallfish. (c) The redfin, or shiner.

2. (Naut.)

Definition: A convex curve or arch cut in the edge of a sail to prevent chafing, or to secure a better fit. As sound as a roach Etym: [roach perhaps being a corruption of a F. roche a rock], perfectly sound.

Roach, v. t.

1. To cause to arch.

2. To cut off, as a horse's mane, so that the part left shall stand upright.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition