The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Hake \Hake\, n. [Also haak.] [Akin to Norweg. hakefisk, lit.,
   hook fish, Prov. E. hake hook, G. hecht pike. See Hook.]
   (Zool.)
   One of several species of marine gadoid fishes, of the genera
   Phycis, Merlucius, and allies. The common European hake
   is Merlucius vulgaris; the American silver hake or whiting
   is Merlucius bilinearis. Two American species (Phycis
   chuss and Phycis tenius) are important food fishes, and
   are also valued for their oil and sounds. Called also
   squirrel hake, and codling.
   [1913 Webster]