(Dutch, fuyk, a weel, bow-net.) The large bow-nets in New York harbor, used for catching shad, are called shadfykes.
·noun A long bag net distended by hoops, into which fish can pass easily, without being able to retu...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
A large bow-net used on the American coasts for taking the shad; hence called shad-fykes. Also, the ...
The Sailor's Word-Book