DCHP-1 Online
terrier [< Cdn F < F terrier of earth] Obs. 
n. See bank beaver 1964 quote.
See also: bank beaver
- 1784 There is a variety of the beaver kind, which wants either the sagacity or the industry of the others, in forming dams and houses. These are called Terriers. They burrow in the banks of rivers, and make their holes beneath the freezing depth of the water, and work upwards for a great number of feet. Beavers which escape the destruction of a community, are supposed to become Terriers.
- 1823 These solitary beavers are called terriers. They are easily distinguished by their dirty tattered robe; for the hair of the back is rubbed off by the friction of the earth.
- 1824 (1955) Another Beaver Lodge at this place but these Lodges contain only 1 or 2 Beavers & appear to be Terrines or Terriers i.e. having only a hole or Burrow in a Bank. . . .
- 1784 There is a variety of the beaver kind, which wants either the sagacity or the industry of the others, in forming dams and houses. These are called Terriers. They burrow in the banks of rivers, and make their holes beneath the freezing depth of the water, and work upwards for a great number of feet. Beavers which escape the destruction of a community, are supposed to become Terriers.