\Sprat\, n. [OE. sprot, sprotte, D. sprot; akin to G.
sprotte.] (Zo["o]l.)
(a) A small European herring ({Clupea sprattus}) closely
    allied to the common herring and the pilchard; -- called
    also {garvie}. The name is also applied to small herring
    of different kinds.
(b) A California surf-fish ({Rhacochilus toxotes}); -- called
    also {alfione}, and {perch}.
{Sprat borer} (Zo["o]l.), the red-throated diver; -- so
   called from its fondness for sprats. See {Diver}.
{Sprat loon}. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) The young of the great northern diver. [Prov. Eng.]
(b) The red-throated diver. See {Diver}.
{Sprat mew} (Zo["o]l.), the kittiwake gull.