R laevis

Skate Skate, n. [Icel. skata; cf. Prov. G. schatten, meer-schatten, L. squatus, squatina, and E. shad.] (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of large, flat elasmobranch fishes of the genus {Raia}, having a long, slender tail, terminated by a small caudal fin. The pectoral fins, which are large and broad and united to the sides of the body and head, give a somewhat rhombic form to these fishes. The skin is more or less spinose. [1913 Webster]

Note: Some of the species are used for food, as the European blue or gray skate ({Raia batis}), which sometimes weighs nearly 200 pounds. The American smooth, or barn-door, skate ({R. l[ae]vis}) is also a large species, often becoming three or four feet across. The common spiny skate ({R. erinacea}) is much smaller. [1913 Webster]

{Skate's egg}. See {Sea purse}.

{Skate sucker}, any marine leech of the genus {Pontobdella}, parasitic on skates. [1913 Webster]