The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Sprat \Sprat\ (spr[a^]t), n. [OE. sprot, sprotte, D. sprot; akin
to G. sprotte.] (Zool.)
(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.
[1913 Webster]
Sprat borer (Zool.), the red-throated diver; -- so called
from its fondness for sprats. See Diver.
Sprat loon. (Zool.)
(a) The young of the great northern diver. [Prov. Eng.]
(b) The red-throated diver. See Diver.
Sprat mew (Zool.), the kittiwake gull.
[1913 Webster]