large flatfish, early 15c., perhaps from hali "holy" (see holy) + butte "flatfish" (see butt (n.4)). Supposedly so called from its being eaten on holy days (compare cognate Dutch heilbot, Low German heilbutt, Swedish helgeflundra, Danish helleflynder).
half-track
half-truth
halfway
half-wit
hali-
halibut
halide
halieutic
Halifax
halite
halitosis