sprat

Thomas Sprat, an English prelate and poet, died; he was distinguished as a writer, and rewarded with preferments.

The Judge inquired if that was the sole object of the plaintiff, or was it not rather baiting with a sprat to catch a herring?

Baxter—so soon as it is ready—will let you see a proof of my introduction, which is only sent out as a sprat to catch whales.

Stow-boating is really sprat catching, and no one can exactly explain the meaning of the term.

It is particularly abundant at Teignmouth, where it is known as the Sand Sprat, and forms an important article of diet.