From The Food Encyclopedia by Jacques Rolland and Carol Sherman
The largest flatfish in the North Atlantic. Halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, is obtainable year-round, but is at its best from April to August. It can weigh as much as 200 pounds (90 kg), but is best very young, weighing no more than 3 pounds (1.5 kg). "Chicken halibut", as it's known at this size, is at its prime from March to October. The name "halibut" was formed by adding the Middle English butte or but, meaning "flounder or flatfish", to haly, meaning "holy", because it was eaten on Lent and other holy days.
