Perch | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Pĕrch, n.

noun

(14), n. [Written also pearch.] [Fr. perche, Sp., It., & Lat. perca, Gr. πέρκη, so called from its dusky color, from πέρκος, dark-colored, dusky; A-S. bears, D. baars, Ger. barsch, bars.] (Ichth.) An acanthopterygious fish of several species, of the genus Perca, inhabiting both fresh and salt water. They have powerful dorsal fins, with strong and sharp spines. The scales are moderately large, with the posterior edge toothed.

☞ The name is also applied to several other species of fishes. The common perch of Eastern North America is the Labrus rufus; the yellow perch, Perca flavescens. The black perch of the American seas is the Centropristis nigricans, called also sea-bass. The blue perch is the Ctenolabrus caeruleus of the scomber family.

Common Perch.

Pĕrch, n.

noun

[Fr. perche, Sp. percha, pertiga, pertica, It. & Lat. pertica.]

Sense 1. A pole; a long staff; a rod.

Sense 2. A measure of length containing five yards and a half; a rod; as, (a.) (Land or Square Measure.) A square rod; the fortieth part of an acre. (b.) (Solid Measure.) A mass 16½ feet long, and a foot each in height and in breadth, or 16½ cubic feet.

Sense 3. A pole for fowls to alight and rest upon; a roost.

Sense 4. (Arch.) A bracket. Weale.

Pĕrch, v. i.

verbintransitive

[imp. & p. p. PERCHED (pĕrcht); p. pr. & vb. n. PERCHING.] [Fr. percher. See supra.] To light or settle on a fixed body, as a bird; to sit or roost.

Pĕrch, v. t.

verbtransitive

To place on a fixed object or perch.