Zool. [ad. mod.L. Spermophilus (Cuvier) or a. F. Spermophile: see SPERMO- and -PHILE.] A rodent belonging to the squirrel-like genus Spermophilus, widely distributed in the northern hemisphere; a pouched marmot.
1824. Richardson, in Parry, N. W. Passage, App. 314. We know nothing … whether they are true marmots or spermophiles.
1839. Penny Cycl., XV. 517/2. This Spermophile inhabits the barren grounds skirting the sea-coast.
1849. Sk. Nat. Hist., Mammalia, IV. 18. Besides possessing cheek-pouches, the Spermophiles are distinguished by the closeness of the ears, the slender form of the body, which is squirrel-like, and the narrowness of the paws.
c. 1880. Cassell’s Nat. Hist., III. 92. The Spermophiles are Squirrel-like in form and have rather short tails.
