[modification of CABIAI, the Galibi name in French Guiana. (Perh. through Sp. or Pg.) Also Fr. cavié, mod.L. cavia.]

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  A rodent of the genus Cavia or family Cavidæ, all natives of America, of which the Guinea-pig and the Capybara are the chief species.

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1796.  Stedman, Surinam, II. xxii. 153. The long-nosed Cavy … or Indian Coney, is also very common in Surinam.

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1813.  Bingley, Anim. Biog., I. 356. Of the Cavy tribe. The Cavies have, in each jaw, two wedge-shaped front teeth, and eight grinders.

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1837.  M. Donovan, Dom. Econ., II. 95. The Javan Cavy … is not found in Java, but inhabits Surinam.

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1838.  Penny Cycl., XI. 480/2. Guinea Pig … Restless Cavy.

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