fossane
/ˈfɒseɪn/Now rare
noun
The Malagasy or striped civet, Fossa fossana (family Viverridae), a ground-living, genet-like carnivore endemic to Madagascar.
- The fossane and other Madagascan carnivores are now sometimes placed in a separate family, Eupleridae..
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in Thomas Pennant (1726–1798), naturalist, traveller, and writer. From French fossane, probably ultimately from Malagasy fosa + -ane, of uncertain origin.