musk cat, noun phrase

Forms:
Also muskat, musk kat.
Origin:
Dutch, South African DutchShow more Translation of Dutch muskuskat or South African Dutch muskeljaatkat, see muskeljaatkat.
Either of two species of genet of the Viverridae, the small-spotted genet, Genetta genetta, or the large-spotted genet Genetta tigrina; muskeljaatkat. Also attributive.
1731 G. Medley tr. of P. Kolben’s Present State of Cape of G.H. II. 127There is another Sort of Wild Cat in the Cape-Countries, that is call’d the Musk Cat. The Skins of these Cats have a very fine Scent.
[1835 A. Smith Diary (1939) I. 278Duiker, roodekat, muskelcat.]
1900 W.L. Sclater Mammals of S. Afr. I. 53Genetta tigrina,..Muskat or Misselyat-kat of Colonists.
1913 C. Pettman Africanderisms 330Musk kat, Genetta tigrina and G. felina are both known by this name.
1918 S.H. Skaife Animal Life in S. Afr. 268There are two different species of genets, or muskkats, fairly common in most parts of the country.
1968 Farmer’s Weekly 3 Jan. 88 (advt)One Musk Cat (muskeljaatkat), full grown, R10 or nearest offer.
1978 A.P. Brink Rumours of Rain 417The incredible, dark, stinking little shop specialising in herbs and muti, anything from dolosse to musk-cat fur, dried ostrich heads and monkey tails, the skins of porcupines and snakes and iguanas.
Either of two species of genet of the Viverridae, the small-spotted genet, Genetta genetta, or the large-spotted genet Genetta tigrina; muskeljaatkat. Also attributive.
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Dutch
mushy, adjectiveadj.muskeljaatkat, nounn.
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