cod end n OED cod sb¹ 1 'a bag' (c1000-), 8 cod-end (1871-).
   1 The part of a trawl net where the fish are collected when hauling; fig.
   1974 Daily News 15 July, p. 16 The [Fishermen's Union] will show everyone where the 'political totem-pole' begins...at the 'cod end.'
   2 Comb cod-end knot, ~ line.
   1930 Am Speech v, 389 ~ An ingenious knot for keeping the cod-end closed until it is filled with fish and then releasing it after the bag has been hoisted aboard. 1987 FIZZARD 211 'As the [otter] trawl was pulled across the deck, the fish were forced back into the cod-end. As the cod-end filled, a small warp was tightened making the cod-end into a bag-like shape. This bag was then hoisted on board. The cod-end knot was then slipped and that part of the catch fell onto the deck.' ibid 210 'The bottom part of the otter trawl was known as the cod-end. This pointed part was tied together tightly by a short rope called the cod-end line.'

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