Definition of "gudgeon" [gud•geon]

• A small Eurasian freshwater fish (Gobio gobio) related to the carp and used for bait. (noun)
• Any of various similar or related fishes. (noun)
• Slang One who is easily duped. (noun)
• A metal pivot or journal at the end of a shaft or an axle, around which a wheel or other device turns. (noun)
• The socket of a hinge into which a pin fits. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The ordinary fry is the normal issue of parent fishes: the so-called gudgeon-fry of small insignificant gudgeon-like fish that burrow under the ground."
• ""Nothing very wonderful in that," said Jack; "the common gudgeon, which is the stupidest fish to be found in fresh water, would do that much.""
• "Send him me down, or else a _horn_ one, which I believes in desperate; but send me something before Tuesday, and I will send you P.O.O. Horn minnow looks like a gudgeon, which is the pure caseine."