Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Desman \Des"man\ (d[e^]s"man), n. [Cf. Sw. desman musk.]
   (Zo["o]l.)
   An amphibious, insectivorous mammal found in Russia ({Myogale
   moschata}). It is allied to the moles, but is called
   {muskrat} by some English writers. [Written also
   {d[ae]sman}.]