peccary

[ pek-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural pec·ca·ries, (especially collectively) pec·ca·ry.

1. any of several medium-sized, bristly, piglike mammals of North and South America, comprising three genera of the family Tayassuidae New World pigs, all of which possess a scent gland on the rear of the back.

peccary

/ ˈpɛkərɪ /

noun

1. either of two piglike artiodactyl mammals, Tayassu tajacu ( collared peccary ) or T. albirostris ( white-lipped peccary ) of forests of southern North America, Central and South America: family Tayassuidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of peccary¹

Borrowed into English around 1605–15 from a Carib language, e.g., Apalai pakira, paquira, or Chayma paquera

Word History and Origins

Origin of peccary¹

C17: from Carib

Example Sentences

Like the peccary, he is tailless, and in a manner web-footed, being thus adapted for a semi-aquatic life.

From Project Gutenberg

We knew that the peccary, savage as it was, could not climb the tree; and hitherto we had deemed ourselves secure.

From Project Gutenberg

Of the peccary (dicotyles), there are two distinct species known—the “collared,” and the “white-lipped.”

From Project Gutenberg

The other species is also found in South America, and is distinguished as the “vaquira de collar” (collared peccary).

From Project Gutenberg

This is just following the isothermal line, and proves that the peccary cannot endure the rigours of a severe winter climate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hog
• pig