pouched rat

noun

1. pocket gopher.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pouched rat¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

The pouched rat, or mus busarius, has been seen but once in Europe.

From Project Gutenberg

"Gopher," "pouched rat," "hamster," and "muelos" are some of the titles by which he is locally known.

From Project Gutenberg

The ground-squirrel and chipmunk are the same animal, but the gopher, or Canada pouched rat, belongs to a different family.

From Project Gutenberg