breeder n Mammal or fish (esp seal, salmon or trout) of mature age; largest trout.
   1873 CARROLL 20 It is not until the breeders [seals] leave their young... 1909 BROWNE 58 Notwithstanding the vigilance exercised by the Newfoundland government, the law [about barring salmon rivers] is often set at defiance, and some fishermen have no scruple in destroying the 'breeders.' 1924 ENGLAND 200 Badly enough protected as the herd is today, with slaughter of the breeders permitted, its safeguards are far better than fifty or sixty years ago. P 155-64 I like to go fishing, b'y, because I always catch the breeder! P 130-67 Quip said to a person going trouting: 'Don't catch the breeder.'

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