ranny
/ˈrani/English regional (East Anglian and southern )
noun
A shrew, especially the common shrew, Sorex araneus. Also (perhaps by confusion): any of various small rodents. More fully ranny-mouse.
- Given the association of the name with a long-nosed creature, it is hard to account for its use for the short-tailed vole (Microtus agrestis), which has a blunt nose. The name water-ranny is also curious: it would seem more apt for the water shrew (Neomys fodiens)..
Origin
Mid 16th century; earliest use found in William Cuningham (c1531–1586), physician and cartographer. Origin uncertain; perhaps ultimately from classical Latin mūs arāneus (lit. ‘spider-mouse’) a creature usually identified with the shrew, although a Scandinavian origin has alternatively been suggested.