\Ma"nis\, n. [NL., fr. L. manes the ghosts or shades of
the dead. So called from its dismal appearance, and because
it seeks for its food by night.] (Zo["o]l.)
A genus of edentates, covered with large, hard, triangular
scales, with sharp edges that overlap each other like tiles
on a roof. They inhabit the warmest parts of Asia and Africa,
and feed on ants. Called also {Scaly anteater}. See
{Pangolin}.