Zool. [a. F. ourson (1549), dim. of ours m., bear. Cf. It. ursone, Pg. ursão.] The Canada porcupine, Erethizon dorsatus.
1774. Goldsm., Nat. Hist., IV. 114. The urson … is a native of Hudson’s Bay…. Several of the trading Americans depend on them for food, at some seasons of the year.
1833. Penny Cycl., I. 443/2. The urson … is the only species of porcupine … which appears to have the power of climbing trees.
1891. E. Roper, By Track & Trail, xvii. 253. There are several kinds of grouse,… wolves, ursons.
