Kit-fox

[perh. from KIT sb.³, in reference to its small size.] A small fox (Vulpes velox), peculiar to North-western America, scarcely half the size of the common fox, of a prevailing yellowish grey color, with a black-tipped tail; the American corsak or swift-fox. Also, by ellipsis, kitt.

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1812. J. Cutler, Topogr. Descr. Ohio, 139. The Christenoes … traffic in beaver, otter, lynx,… small fox or kitts, dressed elk, and moose deer skins.

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1815. Lewis & Clarke, Trav., xxiv. III. 29. The kit-fox or small red fox of the plains.

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1829. Richardson, Fauna Bor. Amer., I. 98. It has long been known to the Hudson Bay fur-traders, its skins forming a portion of their annual exports, under the name of kit foxes.

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