spræt n. & v. --n. 1 a smallEuropean herring-like fish, Sprattus sprattus, much used as food. 2 a similar fish, e.g. a sandeel or a youngherring. --v.intr. (spratted, spratting) fish for sprats. øa sprat to catch a mackerel a small risk to gain much. øøspratter n. spratting n. [OE sprot]