stockfish

While Solomon was speaking, old John sat, mute as a stock-fish, staring at him with an unearthly glare, and displaying, by every possible symptom, entire and complete unconsciousness.

I am one that loves an inch of raw mutton better than an ell of fried stock-fish; and the first letter of my name begins with L.

Summary: From daggers in smiles, stock-fish and brevity being the wit of the soul, there are many ways we connect with the Bard today

Certainly references to stock-fish, herrings, hams and sausages abound in the middle ages.