tasmanian devil

noun

1. a small, predacious marsupial, Sarcophilus harrisii, of Tasmania, having a black coat with white patches: its dwindling population is now confined to isolated areas.

noun

1. a small ferocious carnivorous marsupial, Sarcophilus harrisi, of Tasmania, having black fur with pale markings, strong jaws, and short legs: family DasyuridaeAlso called: ursine dasyure

n.so called since at least 1829, from its propensity for killing young lambs (other voracious fish or animals also have been named devil).