1. The water-vole, Arvicola amphibius.
c. 1475. Pict. Voc., in Wr.-Wülcker, 760/11. Hic gurrex [read surrex = sorex], a watermowse.
1601. Holland, Pliny, II. ciii. I. 45. In Stymphalis of Arcadia, there breed little water-myce [L. aquatiles musculi], or small Limpins.
1653. Walton, Angler, v. 127. If the night be dark he [the trout] lies boldly neer the top of the water, watching the motion of any Frog or Water-mouse, or Rat betwixt him and the skie.
1707. Mortimer, Husb., 227. Bitterns, Herons, Water-Rats, Water-Mice, Otters, &c. are very great Enemies to Fish.
1819. Edin. Mag., June, 505. Arvicola aquatica. Water Campagnol E. Water Rat. S. Water Mouse, or Ratten.
2. Austral. A rodent of the genus Hydromys or the family Hydromyidæ.
c. 1880. Sooty water-mouse [see SOOTY a. 2 c].