[f. FLYING ppl. a.] A name given to two genera (Pteromys and Sciuropterus) of Sciuridæ, which can float through the air by means of an extension of skin connecting their fore and hind limbs.
1624. Capt. Smith, Virginia, II. 27. A small beast they haue they call Assapanick, but we call them flying Squirrels, because spreadinng their legs, and so stretching the largenesse of their skins, that they haue been seene to fly 30 to 40 yards.
1726. Adv. Capt. R. Boyle, 362. The Flying-Squirrel, with Wings like those of a Bat and I have often seen it fly from Tree to Tree.
1849. Sk. Nat. Hist., Mammalia, IV. 14. It is in the possession of a lateral fold of skin, forming, when extended, a parachute, enabling them to take long sweeping leaps, that the flying squirrels are distinguishable from the ordinary group.
