The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Bass \Bass\ (b[.a]s), n.; pl. Bass, and sometimes Basses
   (b[.a]s"[e^]z). [A corruption of barse.] (Zool.)
   1. An edible, spiny-finned fish, esp. of the genera Roccus,
      Labrax, and related genera. There are many species.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: The common European bass is Labrax lupus. American
         species are: the striped bass (Roccus lineatus);
         white or silver bass of the lakes (Roccus chrysops);
         brass or yellow bass (Roccus interruptus).
         [1913 Webster]

   2. The two American fresh-water species of black bass (genus
      Micropterus). See Black bass.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Species of Serranus, the sea bass and rock bass. See
      Sea bass.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. The southern, red, or channel bass (Sci[ae]na ocellata).
      See Redfish.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: The name is also applied to many other fishes. See
         Calico bass, under Calico.
         [1913 Webster]