kit-fox
[perh. from kit n.3, in reference to its small size.]
A small fox (Vulpes velox), peculiar to North-western America, scarcely half the size of the common fox, of a prevailing yellowish grey colour, with a black-tipped tail; the American corsak or swift-fox. Also, by ellipsis, kitt.
| 1812 J. Cutler Topogr. Descr. Ohio 139 The Christenoes..traffic in beaver, otter, lynx,..small fox or kitts, dressed elk, and moose deer skins. 1815 Lewis & Clarke Trav. xxiv. III. 29 The kit-fox or small red fox of the plains. 1829 Richardson Fauna Bor. Amer. I. 98 It has long been known to the Hudson Bay fur-traders, its skins forming a portion of their annual exports, under the name of kit foxes. |