remora

noun4

1. •
   Any of various elongate fish from the family Echeneidae, the dorsal fin of which is in the form of a suction disc that can take a firm hold against the skin of larger marine animals.

   • The remora, lump-sucker, and others are provided with a muscular disk in the form of a sucker, by which they adhere to other fish or bodies moving through the water: [...] — 1839
2. •
   A serpent.

   • LORD SCARSDALE. [...] On the dexter side, the figure of Prudence represented by a woman, habited argent, mantled azure, holding in her sinister hand a javelin entwined with a remora proper; [...] — 1766
3. •
   (no longer used) A delay; a hindrance, an obstacle.

   • What mighty and invisible Remora is this in Matrimony able to demurre, and to contemne all the divorsive engines in heaven or earth. — 1644
4. •
   (no longer used) A surgical instrument, intended to retain parts in their places.