catamount
/ˈkatəmaʊnt
/(also catamountain /ˌkatəˈmaʊntɪn/)
noun
1North American A puma.The researchers want to determine whether this slice of the Santa Monica Mountains can sustain a healthy population of the lions, which are also called pumas, catamounts, and cougars....
- Known by many names - puma, cougar, catamount, panther - this large feline predator was once wide-spread throughout much of North America.
- Cougar, puma, mountain lion, catamount, panther - by any name, this big cat has inspired wilderness lovers across the country.
1.1 archaic Any medium-sized or large wild cat.
Origin
Late Middle English (as catamountain): from the phrase cat of the mountain.