marmoset

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a small Central or South American monkey of the callitrichid group, typically with clawlike nails on most digits

   The marmoset gripped the branch while searching the bark for insects and gum.

2. 2
   noun

   archaic: a grotesque figure or an unattractive or foolish person

   The carved marmoset crouched beneath the edge of the old roof.

Borrowed from Middle French marmouset, 'grotesque figure, small child, or little monkey,' probably related to a verb meaning 'mutter or mumble.' English retained the animal sense and, historically, the figurative grotesque sense.

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