The term alewife is a common name for a species of fish, Alosa pseudoharengus, which is found in the Atlantic Ocean. It is an anadromous fish, meaning it migrates from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. The term alewife is also used to refer to a female tavern keeper or publican. This term dates back to the Middle Ages when alewives brewed and sold ale, a type of beer, in their homes. The crossword solution SHAD is another name for the same species of fish, Alosa pseudoharengus.