John Dory

[ dawr-ee, dohr-ee ]

noun

, plural John Dories.

1. any fish of the family Zeidae, especially Zeus faber, of European seas, having a vertically compressed body and long spines in the dorsal fin.

John Dory

/ ˈdɔːrɪ /

noun

1. a European dory (the fish), Zeus faber , having a deep compressed body, spiny dorsal fins, and massive mobile jaws
2. a related fish, Zeus australis , which is a valued food fish of Australia

Word History and Origins

Origin of John Dory¹

1600–10; dory ²; jocular formation

Word History and Origins

Origin of John Dory¹

C18: from proper name John + dory ¹; on the model of Doe

Example Sentences

John Dory pulled at his cigar appreciatively, sniffed its flavour for a moment, and then leaned forward in his chair.

From Project Gutenberg

How they gobbled up the hors d'œuvres and how golden the John Dory was; the flanks of the fish shone like an old violin.

From Project Gutenberg

John Dory was accordingly admitted into the room which was so jealously guarded.

From Project Gutenberg

Down in the street below, John Dory, who had tracked his wife to the building, was walking away with face as black as night.

From Project Gutenberg

John Dory muttered something between his lips, and turned on his heel.

From Project Gutenberg