[Norwegian, alteration (influenced by Norwegian brisa, to flash) of Low German bretling, from bret, broad.]
sprat (sprāt) n.
A small marine food fish (Clupea sprattus) of northeast Atlantic waters that is eaten fresh or smoked and is often canned in oil as a sardine. Also called brisling.
Any of various other similar fishes, such as a young herring.
[Middle English sprot, spratte, from Old English sprot.]