spritsail n OED ~ 2 c: ~ v (1835-1867). Comb spritsail yard v: to disable a fish regarded as useless or predatory by thrusting a piece of wood through its gills (1842 BONNYCASTLE i. 272).
1818 CHAPPELL 16 The fishermen of Newfoundland are much exasperated whenever an unfortunate hallibut happens to seize upon their baits: they are frequently known, in such cases, to wreak their vengeance on the poor fish, by thrusting a piece of wood through its gills, and in that condition turning it adrift upon the ocean ... spritsail yarding.
