A toad.
1827. An inhabitant of the Middle States talks of “hop-toads,”—as if all toads were not hoppers.—Mass. Spy, Nov. 28: from The Berkshire American.
1830. “I would as soon think of driving a trade in hop-toads.” “Hop-toads! what are them?” “Don’t you know what hop-toads are? They’re little creatures that hop like a frog does, and catch a fly in less than no time.” “I know what a toad is, well enough. But I should like to know if all toads don’t hop.” “By all means,—and that’s the reason I call them hop-toads.”—Mass. Spy, July 28: from the N.Y. Constellation. (Given as a southernism.)
1861. He never said any thing against killing flies, or pelting hop-toads, or tin-kettling the cat.—Knick. Mag., lvii. 420 (April).
