terrapins

Noun

terrapin (countable and uncountable, plural terrapins)

1. (countable) Any of several small turtles of the families Emydidae and Geoemydidae found throughout the world.
2. (countable, obsolete) Any turtle.
   • The third ſervice was made up of a loin of freſh pork with apple-ſauce, a kid ſmothered with onions, and a terrapin baked in the ſhell; […]1751, [Tobias] Smollett, “He is Found by the Lieutenant; Reconducted to His Own House; Married to Mrs. Grizzle, […]”, in The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle […], volume (please specify |volume=I to...
3. (countable, obsolete) Any of several small turtles native to North America that live in brackish or fresh water, especially the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin).
   • As to the terrapin, I have not so much to say. The terrapin is a small turtle, found on the shores of Maryland and Virginia, out of which a very rich soup is made. It is cooked with wines and spices, and is served in the shape of a hash, with heaps of little bones mixed through it. […] I must...1862, Anthony Trollope, “From Boston to Washington”, in North America. […], volume I, London: Chapman & Hall, […], →OCLC, page 467
4. (obsolete, uncountable) The flesh of such a turtle used as food.
   • The man who did not eat twice of terrapin would be held in small repute, as the Londoner is held who at a city banquet does not partake of both thick and thin turtle.1862, Anthony Trollope, “From Boston to Washington”, in North America. […], volume I, London: Chapman & Hall, […], →OCLC, page 467