\Des"man\ (d[e^]s"man), n. [Cf. Sw. desman musk.]
(Zo["o]l.)
An amphibious, insectivorous mammal found in Russia ({Myogale
moschata}). It is allied to the moles, but is called
{muskrat} by some English writers. [Written also
{d[ae]sman}.]