straits n pl
1 The narrow passage between the northern tip of Newfoundland and Labrador; clipped form of Strait of Belle Isle.
1839 TUCKER 107 The more common mode of sealing of late years, however, is to fit out vessels, and search for these amphibia in the straits and along the Gulf. 1863 HIND ii, 224 The fish which supply the Straits and the Labrador fisheries consist for the most part of two large shoals, one of which, entering the Gulf off Cape Ray in April or May, passes through the Straits down the Labrador shore. 1886 HOWLEY MS Reminiscences 3 All the craft are ready to leave for the Straits and Labrador. 1959 SAMSON 78 ~ A short expression mainly applying to the Strait of Belle Isle. 1971 JUPP 114 The other Grenfell Mission boat Cluert ran into trouble, and the Maraval had been standing by at Forteau ready to help her to cross the Straits if necessary.
2 Comb straits fish: cod-fish taken and cured in the Strait of Belle Isle.
P 34-74 It was [in September] that the new salt fish began to come in, and vessels and boats carrying Shore, Labrador and Straits fish were coming to St John's consigned to the various merchants.
straits fishery: cod-fishery prosecuted in the Strait of Belle Isle; cp NORTHERN FISHERY.
[1888] 1975 WHITELEY 158 W H Whiteley, Esq., will commence to ship his crew for the Straits fishery for the coming summer on Monday next.
