Sprattus sprattus

small European herring, 1590s, variant of sprot (c. 1300), from Old English sprott "a small herring," according to Klein related to Dutch sprot and probably connected to sprout (v.).

small fish related to herring.

The Jamaican sprat is a small fish that has a high fat content, Jamaican sprats are perfect for broiling or grilling. They're also available either salted or smoked. The smallest Jamaican sprats are packed in oil, in which case they're usually called brisling or brisling sardines. The Jamaican sprat is used in Jamaican fish recipes. T

(n) small fatty European fish; usually smoked or canned like sardines(n) small herring processed like a sardine

To bait with a sprat to catch a mackerel. To give a small thing under the hope of getting something much more valuable. The French say, “A pea for a bean.” (See GARVIES.)

a small herring found in European waters. It is served smoked but can be eaten fresh, grilled or fried.

a small herring found in European waters. It is served smoked but can be eaten fresh, grilled or fried.

Any of various small, herring-like, marine fish in the genus Sprattus|genus|noshow=1, in the family Clupeidae.