/ter"euh pin/ , n.
1. any of several edible North American turtles of the family Emydidae, inhabiting fresh or brackish waters, esp. the diamondback terrapin: some are threatened or endangered.
2. any of various similar turtles.
[ 1605-15; earlier torope ( to·rape·w variety of turtle > Munsee Delaware tó·lpe·w ) + -in, of uncert. orig. ]