‖ kinkajou
(ˈkɪŋkədʒuː)
Also 8 kincajou.
[a. F. quincajou (Denis 1672), from N. American Indian: cf. Algonquin Kwingwaage, Otchipwe gwingwaage, the wolverine. The same word orig. as carcajou, which is still applied to the wolverine; but erroneously transferred by Buffon to the quadruped indicated below. (J. Platt, in N. & Q. 9th s. VII. 386, 18 May 1901.)]
A carnivorous quadruped (Cercoleptes caudivolvulus) of Central and South America, allied to the racoon; it is about the size of the common cat, has a prehensile tail, and is nocturnal in its habits. Also called potto or honey-bear.
| [1672 N. Denis Descr. des côtes de l' Amerique 330 Le kinkajou ressemble à un chat.] 1796 Morse Amer. Geog. I. 198 Kincajou..makes havoc among the deer. 1863 Bates Nat. Amazon xii. (1864) 400 A curious animal, known to naturalists as the kinkajou,..has been considered by some authors as an intermediate form between the lemur family of apes, and the plantigrade carnivora or bear family. 1900 Bartlett Wild Beasts in the ‘Zoo’ 41 The voice of the panda, kinkajou, otter and coati are wonderfully alike. |