[ad. L. blennius (in Pliny), f. Gr. βλέννος; so called from βλέννος slime, in reference to the mucous coating of its scales.]
A genus of small spiny-finned fishes, of which several species frequent the British coasts.
[1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., s.v., The common Blennius of authors.
1769. Pennant, Zool., III. 173.]
1774. Goldsm., Nat. Hist. (1862), II. III. i. 295. The Blennius or Blenny.
1863. H. Pennell, Angler-Naturalist, 394. Viviparous fishes, such as the Sharks, Blennies, &c.
