In use among the Hebrews for fishing, hunting, and fowling. The fishing-net was probably constructed after the form of that used by the Egyptians (Isaiah 19:8). There were three kinds of nets.

(1.) The drag-net or hauling-net (Gr. sagene), of great size, and requiring many men to work it. It was usually let down from the fishing-boat, and then drawn to the shore or into the boat, as circumstances might require (Matthew 13:47, 48).

(2.) The hand-net or casting-net (Gr. amphiblestron), which was thrown from a rock or a boat at any fish that might be seen (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16). It was called by the Latins funda. It was of circular form, "like the top of a tent."

(3.) The bag-net (Gr. diktyon), used for enclosing fish in deep water (Luke 5:4-9).

The fowling-nets were (1) the trap, consisting of a net spread over a frame, and supported by a stick in such a way that it fell with the slightest touch (Amos 3:5, "gin;" Psalm 69:22; Job 18:9; Ecclesiastes 9:12). (2) The snare, consisting of a cord to catch birds by the leg (Job 18:10; Psalm 18:5; 116:3; 140:5).

(3.) The decoy, a cage filled with birds as decoys (Jeremiah 5:26, 27). Hunting-nets were much in use among the Hebrews.

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (v. t.) To make into a net; to make n the style of network; as, to net silk.

2. (v. t.) To take in a net; to capture by stratagem or wile.

3. (v. t.) To enclose or cover with a net; as, to net a tree.

4. (v. i.) To form network or netting; to knit.

5. (a.) Without spot; pure; shining.

6. (a.) Free from extraneous substances; pure; unadulterated; neat; as, net wine, etc.

7. (a.) Not including superfluous, incidental, or foreign matter, as boxes, coverings, wraps, etc.; free from charges, deductions, etc; as, net profit; net income; net weight, etc.

8. (v. t.) To produce or gain as clear profit; as, he netted a thousand dollars by the operation.