One of several species of marine gadoid fishes, of the genera
   Phycis, Merlucius, and allies. The common European hake is M. vulgaris;
   the American silver hake or whiting is M. bilinearis. Two American
   species (Phycis chuss and P. tenius) are important food fishes, and are
   also valued for their oil and sounds. Called also squirrel hake, and
   codling.