1. (Zoöl.) (a) A European fresh-water fish of the Carp family (Leuciscus rutilus). It is silver-white, with a greenish back. (b) An American chub (Semotilus bullaris); the fallfish. (c) The redfin, or shiner.
2. (Naut.)
Defn: A convex curve or arch cut in the edge of a sail to prevent chafing, or to secure a better fit. As sound as a roach Etym: [roach perhaps being a corruption of a F. roche a rock], perfectly sound.
ROACH
Roach, v. t.
1. To cause to arch.
2. To cut off, as a horse's mane, so that the part left shall stand upright.
ROACH-BACKED
Roach"-backed`, a.
Defn: Having a back like that of roach; — said of a horse whose back a convex instead of a concave curve.
ROAD Road, n. Etym: [AS. rad a riding, that on which one rides or travels, a road, fr. ridan to ride. See Ride, and cf. Raid.]
1. A journey, or stage of a journey. [Obs.] With easy roads he came to Leicester. Shak.