Fin

n. [A.-S. fĭn, finn, D. vĭn, L. Ger. & Dan. finne, Sw. fena, allied to Lat. pinna, fin, penna, wing, feather.] 1. (Ichth.) An organ of a fish, consisting of a membrane supported by rays, or little bony or cartilaginous ossicles, and serving to balance and propel it in the water. Fins. 1, ventral; 2, anal; 3, caudal; 4, pectoral; 5, first dorsal; 6, second dorsal. Fishes move through the water chiefly by means of the tail, the principal office of the fins being to balance or direct the body, though they are also, to a certain extent, employed in producing motion. 2. A fin-like organ or attachment. [Obs. and rare.] The fins of her eyelids look most teeming blue. J. Webster.

v. t. [imp. FINNED; p. pr. & vb. n. FINNING.] [Cf. Ger. finne, a little pointed nail, stud, M. H. Ger. pfinne, L. Ger. pinn.] To carve or cut up, as a chub.

n. (Geog.) A native or inhabitant of Finland; a Finn.