The popular name of several animals which feed upon ants (and termites).
1. A group of quadrupeds of the order Edentata having long thread-like viscous tongues which they thrust into ants’ nests and retract into their mouths covered with ants. They consist of the Ant-eaters proper (Myrmecophaga) of S. America, the Scaly Ant-eaters (Manis) of the Old World, and the Cape Ant-eater or Aardvaark (Orycteropus).
1764. Williams, Dict. Arts, s.v., The Ant-Eater … is as long and as tall as a middle-sized dog.
1869. J. Gray, in Guide Brit. Mus., 4. The Shielded Beasts, as the Manis or Scaly Ant-eaters of India and Africa.
1870. Spurgeon, Treas. David, Ps. v. 9. Many human ant-eaters that with their long tongues covered with oily words entice and entrap the unwary.
2. The Aculeated, or Porcupine Ant-eater (Echidna) of the order Monotremata, found in Australia.
1868. Chambers, Cycl., s.v., The Echidnæ of New Holland are sometimes called Porcupine Ant-Eaters from their food, and their similarity to the true ant-eaters in their sharp muzzle and extensile tongue.
1880. Haughton, Phys. Geog., vi. 268. Myrmecobius, the living Australian Ant-eater.
3. A bird, also called ANT-THRUSH.
1827. Griffith, Cuvier, VI. 399. The Ant-eaters … are recognized by their long legs and short tail. Ibid., 403. The King of the Ant-eaters … is about the size of a quail, and its grey plumage is agreeably variegated.
