tuan

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


aboriginal name for the Flying-Squirrel (q.v.). See also Pongo.

1846. G. H. Haydon, `Five Years in Australia Felix,' p. 57:

«The flying-squirrel, or tuan, is much sought after for itsfine fur; of these there are two kinds, a large one of a darkcolour, only found 1n the mountains; and a smaller descriptionfound in all parts of the colony, and better known by thenative name, tuan.»

1859. H. Kingsley, `Geoffrey Hamlyn,' p. 274:

«The Touan, the little grey flying-squirrel, only begins to flyabout at night, and slides down from his bough sudden andsharp.»