margay

[ mahr-gey ]

/ ˈmɑr geɪ /

a small tiger cat, Felis tigrina, of tropical America: now rare.

Origin of margay

1775–85; < French (Buffon), alteration of margaia < Portuguese maracajá < Tupi marakaya

When we were ready to set out, Fritz presented each of us with a little case he had made from the skin of the margay.

The Swiss Family Robinson; or Adventures in a Desert Island |Johann David Wyss
We may see the ocelot skulking through the deep shade, or the margay springing upon its winged prey.

The Forest Exiles |Mayne Reid
Fritz presented us each with a neat case of margay skin to hang at our girdles.

The Swiss Family Robinson |Johann David Wyss
Fritz was engaged in preparing the skin of the margay, with more care than Jack had shown with that of the jackal.

The Swiss Family Robinson; or Adventures in a Desert Island |Johann David Wyss

I should say this was a margay, and it would have proved a cruel foe, not only of our poultry, but also of our sheep and goats.

The Swiss Family Robinson |Johann David Wyss

margay

/ (ˈmɑːˌɡeɪ) /

a feline mammal, Felis wiedi, of Central and South America, having a dark-striped coat

C18: from French, from Tupi mbaracaiá