Ever need a fact or quotation on goldfish? Designed for speechwriters, journalists, writers, researchers, students, professors, teachers, historians, academics, scrapbookers, trivia buffs and word lovers, this is the largest book ever created for this single word. It represents a compilation from a variety of sources with a linguistic emphasis on anything relating to the term “goldfish,” including non-conventional usage and alternative meanings which capture ambiguities. The entries cover all parts of speech (noun, verb, adverb or adjective usage) as well as use in modern slang, pop culture, social sciences (linguistics, history, geography, economics, sociology, political science), business, computer science, literature, law, medicine, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and other physical sciences. This “data dump” results in many unexpected examples for goldfish, since the editorial decision to include or exclude terms is purely a linguistic process. The resulting entries are used under license or with permission, used under “fair use” conditions, used in agreement with the original authors, or are in the public domain. Proceeds from this book are used to expand the content and coverage of Webster’s Online Dictionary (www.websters-online-dictionary.org).

Use in Literature

Goldfish

Goldfish swim in a bowl, glisten in sunlight, Dilate to a gorgeous size, blow delicate bubbles, Drowse among dark green weeds.–Conrad Aiken in The House of Dust.

He opened his mouth to speak, and Jane was irresistibly reminded of a tame goldfish at Overdene, which used to rise to the surface when the duchess dropped crumbs.–Florence L. Barclay in The Rosary.

Goldfish and silverfish darted here and there among the foliage, and the whole scene was so pretty and peaceful that Trot began to doubt there was any danger lurking in such a lovely place.–L. Frank Baum in The Sea Fairies.

Suddenly a tiny goldfish popped its head above the surface of the lake, not more than a foot from his eyes.–L. Frank Baum in Glinda of Oz.

The one who had been a goldfish had beautiful golden hair and blue eyes and was exceedingly fair of skin; the one who had been a bronzefish had dark brown hair and clear gray eyes and her complexion matched these lovely features.–L. Frank Baum in Glinda of Oz.

The goldfish issued these commands and Ervic promised to be careful and started to obey.–L. Frank Baum in Glinda of Oz.

He says he's a goldfish.–Rex Beach in The Auction Block.

Help me feed these foolish goldfish while I talk.–Rex Beach in The Auction Block.

Cages he has, an' globes for goldfish, an' birrd cages, but th' size of th' shop l'aves no room for an aquarium, Casey.–Ellis Parker Butler in The Water Goats and Other Troubles.

For some years I had kept goldfish and pigeons, so I sold them.–William Stearns Davis in A Day in Old Athens.

• Preface iv
• Use in Literature 1
• Goldfish 1
• Nonfiction Usage 3
• Script Usage 3
• Journalism Usage 3
• Patent Usage 4
• Bibliographic Usage 4
• Encyclopedic Usage 95
• Lexicographic Usage 96
• Index 105