GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Cavy (?), n.; pl. Cavies (). [NL. cavia, fr. Brazilian cabiai: cf. F. cabiai.] (Zool.) A rodent of the genera Cavia and Dolichotis, as the guinea pig (Cavia cobaya). Cavies are natives of South America.
   
   [1913 Webster]
   
   Water cavy (Zool.), The capybara.
   
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2.       
   Guinea pig [Prob. a mistake for Guiana pig.]
   1. (Zool.) A small Brazilian rodent (Cavia porcellus or Cavia cobaya), about seven inches in length and usually of a white color, with spots of orange and black.  Called also cavy.  It is the domesticated form of the wild cavy, often kept as a pet and used commonly as an experimental animal in laboratory research.
   
   [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]
   
   
   2. Hence, [figuratively]: Any animal or person used in an experiment; -- also applied to people who are unwillingly or unknowingly subjected by authorities to policies or procedures which might cause bodily or mental harm.
   
   [PJC]
   
   
   3. A contemptuous sobriquet. [Obs.] Smollett
   
   [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]