cattagena n also catnaghene. Possibly a misunderstanding of châtaigne de mer 'sea urchin,' found in early works by voyagers. See Trésor de la langue française châtaigne and cp 1909 Trans Roy Soc Can iii (II), 229 'Thwaites' Jesuit Relations (I, 69) wrongly ... translates [Chatagne de Mer] Porpoises.' Small fur-bearing animal.
   [1620] 1887 MASON 150 The Beastes are ... Wolues. Foxes, Beauers, Catnaghenes excellent, Otteres. 1623 WHITBOURNE [sig R 2] We coozened many of [the foxes] of their rich coates, which our worthy Governour keepes carefully, as also of Cattagenas and Otters.

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