The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Marlin \Mar"lin\, n. (Zool.)
   The American great marbled godwit (Limosa fedoa). Applied
   also to the red-breasted godwit (Limosa haematica).
   [1913 Webster]

   2. [from marlin spike, the shape of its bill.] Any of several
      marine billfishes of the genera Makaira and
      Tetrapturus, popular as game in sport fishing.
      [PJC]

   Hook-billed marlin, a curlew.
      [1913 Webster]