1. plural of alewife; women who brew or sell ale
Usage: archaic or historical
2. plural of alewife; a type of small fish of the herring family found in North American coastal and freshwater areas
Usage: ichthyology

Examples

• In medieval England, alewives were common figures in taverns and marketplaces.
• The alewives ran their brewing operations from small cottages near the village center.
• Alewives migrate upstream in spring to spawn in freshwater rivers.
• Commercial fishermen harvest alewives for use as bait and food.
• The population of alewives has declined due to dam construction blocking migration routes.