Fish

He eats no fish , that is “he is no papist,” “he is an honest man or one to be trusted.” In the reign of Queen Elizabeth papists were the enemies of the government, and hence one who did not eat fish, like a papist, on fast days was considered a Protestant and a friend of the government. I do profe ... to serve him truly that will put me in trust... and to eat no fish.—Shakespeare, King Lear , act i. sc. 4 (1605).