[f. FISH v.2 + -ING1.] The action of strengthening or supporting with a fish; see FISH sb.2 Fishing-key, a kind of fish-plate.
1798. Nelson, in Nicolas, Disp. (1845), III. 132. I hope that the Vanguard’s two masts, by good fishing, will hold fast until I can send her to Gibraltar.
1837. Marryat, Snarleyyow; or The Dog Fiend, xii.
| I wish I had the fishing of your back that is so bent, | |
| I’d use the galley poker hot unto your heart’s content. |
1852. Specif. Bruff’s Patent, No. 14096, 2. Into this metal clip, which I term a fishing key, the ends of each rail at its junction with the preceding or succeeding rail are received.
