Pêcheur

Pêcheur is a French noun meaning a person who catches fish, either as a profession or as a hobby. The masculine form is pêcheur and the feminine form is pêcheuse. In many contexts it refers to someone who earns a living by fishing at sea, on rivers or lakes, and it can describe workers in commercial, artisanal and recreational fishing, including those on fishing boats, in fish markets or in aquaculture-related roles.

Etymology: The word derives from the verb pêcher (to fish) via Old French pescheor; ultimately from Latin piscator, fish-catcher. The related noun pécheur exists as a different word meaning sinner.

Usage and variations: In maritime and coastal regions, pêcheur is qualified by descriptors such as pêcheur en mer (fisher at sea), pêcheur artisanal, and pêcheur industriel. Fishing gear includes lines and hooks, nets (filet), traps, and longlines; methods and gear vary by region and target species.

Regulation and context: Modern pêcheurs operate under national and international fishing regulations addressing quotas, licensing, gear restrictions and sustainable practices. Many work in cooperatives or associations; safety and working conditions are important concerns.

Culture: The figure of the pêcheur appears in literature and culture as a symbol of livelihood, tradition and the hazards of life at sea. Note: pécheur (with a different accent) is a separate French word meaning sinner.