/ahr'meuh dil"-oh/ , n. , pl. armadillos .
any of several burrowing, chiefly nocturnal mammals constituting the family Dasypodidae, ranging from the southern U.S. through South America, having strong claws and a jointed protective covering of bony plates: used in certain areas for food.
[ 1570-80; armad ( o ) armed ( armatus; see ARM 2 , -ATE 1 ) + -illo -illus dim. suffix ]