Tasmanian devil

noun

1. a small, predacious marsupial, Sarcophilus harrisii, of Tasmania, having a black coat with white patches: its dwindling population is now confined to isolated areas.

Tasmanian devil

noun

1. Also called: ursine dasyure. a small ferocious carnivorous marsupial, Sarcophilus harrisi, of Tasmania, having black fur with pale markings, strong jaws, and short legs: family Dasyuridae

Word History and Origins

Origin of Tasmanian devil¹

First recorded in 1885–90