drift net

noun

1. a fishing net supported upright in the water by floats attached along the upper edge and sinkers along the lower, so as to be carried with the current or tide.

drift net

noun

1. a large fishing net supported by floats or attached to a drifter that is allowed to drift with the tide or current

Word History and Origins

Origin of drift net¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

At most times they keep out at sea, where the hardy fishermen make use of the drift-net.

From Project Gutenberg

The herring-fishery is regulated by Act of Parliament, and the legal mode of capture is by means of what is called a drift-net.

From Project Gutenberg

The drift-net is made of fine twine, marked with squares of an inch each to allow for the escape of the young fish.

From Project Gutenberg

As mackerel are very voracious, they greedily devour all sorts of bait, but they are chiefly taken by the drift-net.

From Project Gutenberg

The drift-net lay out for a mile along the water, its brown corks heaving gently, at regular intervals.

From Project Gutenberg