ˈant-ˌeater
The popular name of several animals which feed upon ants (and termites).
1. A group of quadrupeds of the order Edentata having long thread-like viscous tongues which they thrust into ants' nests and retract into their mouths covered with ants. They consist of the Ant-eaters proper (Myrmecophaga) of S. America, the Scaly Ant-eaters (Manis) of the Old World, and the Cape Ant-eater or Aardvark (Orycteropus).
| 1764 Williams Dict. Arts s.v., The Ant-Eater..is as long and as tall as a middle-sized dog. 1869 J. Gray in Guide Brit. Mus. 4 The Shielded Beasts, as the Manis or Scaly Ant-eaters of India and Africa. 1870 Spurgeon Treas. David Ps. v. 9 Many human ant-eaters that with their long tongues covered with oily words entice and entrap the unwary. |
2. The Aculeated, or Porcupine Ant-eater (Echidna) of the order Monotremata, found in Australia.
| 1868 Chambers Cycl. s.v., The Echidnæ of New Holland are sometimes called Porcupine Ant-Eaters from their food, and their similarity to the true ant-eaters in their sharp muzzle and extensile tongue. 1880 Haughton Phys. Geog. vi. 268 Myrmecobius, the living Australian Ant-eater. |
3. A bird, also called ant-thrush.
| 1827 Griffith Cuvier VI. 399 The Ant-eaters..are recognized by their long legs and short tail. Ibid. 403 The King of the Ant-eaters..is about the size of a quail, and its grey plumage is agreeably variegated. |