zoophaganhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zoophagan_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezoophagan, n. & adj.
Revised 2017

zoophagannoun & adjective

  1. noun
    1. 1835–
      Originally: †a member of either of two animal groups called Zoophaga, one of gastropod molluscs, the other of marsupial mammals (obsolete). In later use more generally: an animal which feeds on other animals or on animal matter; a carnivore. Now rare.
      The name Zoophaga was used of a division of gastropod molluscs in classifications following that of Lamarck (1817), and of a division of marsupial mammals by Haeckel and others, following a system proposed by Gegenbaur (1874).
      1. 1835
        Lamarck's canaliferous Zoophagans, called so from the long straight canal which terminates the mouth of their shells.
        W. Kirby, On Power of God in Creation of Animals vol. I. ix. 296
      2. 1840
        The words Carnivores and Insectivores are better..than Greek terms; otherwise we might..speak of Zoophagans and Entomophagans.
        W. Whewell, Philosophy of Inductive Science vol. I. p. cx
      3. 1842
        Zoophagans..the order of Unguiculate Mammals which live on animal food,..also the corresponding group of the Marsupial Quadrupeds.
        W. T. Brande, Dictionary of Science, Literature & Art 1342/2
      4. 1891
        Zoöphagan, a carnivorous animal;..especially, a member of the Zoöphaga.
        Century Dictionary
      5. 2011
        The latter has a greater efficiency as a zoophagan than the former.
        Comparative Biochem. & Physiology A. vol. 160 429/1
  2. adjective
    1. 1835–
      Originally: †belonging to either of the groups called Zoophaga (obsolete). In later use: of or relating to a carnivore or meat-eater. rare.
      1. 1835
        The animal of the Heteropods having a proboscis and only two tentacles, seems intermediate between the Zoophagan Trachelipods and the Cephalopods.
        W. Kirby, On Power of God in Creation of Animals vol. I. ix. 302
      2. 1994
        A ‘zoophagan’ logic, favoured by those who like to acknowledge the living in what they are eating and who consequently rate offal especially highly.
        J. A. Underwood, translation of N. Vialles, Animal to Edible 127

Originally published as part of the entry for zoophagous, adj.

zoophagan, n. & adj. was revised in June 2017.

zoophagan, n. & adj. was last modified in July 2023.