[Adopted from the Dutch Colonists in South Africa, who have so named it from Du. aarde, in comp. aard- earth + vark = OE. fearh, OHG. farh, L. porc-us pig.] A South-African quadruped (Orycterŏpus capensis Cuv.), about the size of the badger, belonging to the insectivorous division of the Edentata, where it occupies an intermediate position between the Armadillos and Ant-eaters.
1833. Penny Cycl., I. 3. The aard-vark is in all respects admirably fitted for the station which Nature has assigned to it.
1834. Pringle, African Sketches, iv. 176. Such ant-hills as have been broken up and plundered by the aard-vark, or ant-eater.
1847. Carpenter, Zoology, 281. The Aard-vark … forms very extensive burrows at a little distance beneath the surface of the ground, which are sometimes so numerous, as to become sources of danger to horses and waggons traversing the country.
