terrapin

n. [ Probably of American Indian origin. ] (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of tortoises living in fresh and brackish waters. Many of them are valued for food. [ Written also terapin, terrapen, terrapene, turpen, and turapen. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The yellow-bellied terrapin (Pseudemys scabra) of the Southern United States, the red-bellied terrapin (Pseudemys rugosa or Chrysemys rubriventris), native of the tributaries Chesapeake Bay (called also potter, slider, and redfender), and the diamond-back or salt-marsh terrapin (Malaclemmys palustris), are the most important American species. The diamond-back terrapin is native of nearly the whole of the Atlantic coast of the United States. [ 1913 Webster ]

Alligator terrapin, the snapping turtle. --
Mud terrapin, any one of numerous species of American tortoises of the genus Cinosternon. --
Painted terrapin, the painted turtle. See under Painted. --
Speckled terrapin, a small fresh-water American terrapin (Chelopus guttatus) having the carapace black with round yellow spots; -- called also spotted turtle. [ 1913 Webster ]