資料來源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Gopher \Go"pher\, n. [F. gaufre waffle, honeycomb. See
{Gauffer}.] (Zo["o]l.)
1. One of several North American burrowing rodents of the
genera {Geomys} and {Thomomys}, of the family
{Geomyid[ae]}; -- called also {pocket gopher} and {pouched
rat}. See {Pocket gopher}, and {Tucan}.
Note: The name was originally given by French settlers to
many burrowing rodents, from their honeycombing the
earth.
2. One of several western American species of the genus
{Spermophilus}, of the family {Sciurid[ae]}; as, the gray
gopher ({Spermophilus Franklini}) and the striped gopher
({S. tridecemlineatus}); -- called also {striped prairie
squirrel}, {leopard marmot}, and {leopard spermophile}.
See {Spermophile}.
3. A large land tortoise ({Testudo Carilina}) of the Southern
United States, which makes extensive burrows.
4. A large burrowing snake ({Spilotes Couperi}) of the
Southern United States.
{Gopher drift} (Mining), an irregular prospecting drift,
following or seeking the ore without regard to regular
grade or section. --Raymond.