pilchard, n. [Cf. It. pilseir, W. pilcod minnows.].
A small European food fish (Clupea pilchardus) resembling the herring, but thicker and rounder. It is sometimes taken in great numbers on the coast of England. [1913 Webster]
"Fools are as like husbands as pilchards are to herrings."
[1913 Webster]