Any of various skates (family Rajidae) having small dark spots or small projecting thorns with star-shaped bases scattered over the upper surface, especially Raja stellulata.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Randle Cotgrave (fl. 1587–?1630), lexicographer.
Definition of starry skate in US English:
starry skate
noun
Any of various skates (family Rajidae) having small dark spots or small projecting thorns with star-shaped bases scattered over the upper surface, especially Raja stellulata.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Randle Cotgrave (fl. 1587–?1630), lexicographer.