MARMOSET

marmoset, a name derived from fr. _marmouset_ (meaning "of a gross figure"), and used to designate the small tropical american monkeys classed by naturalists in the family _hapalidae_ (or _chrysothricidae_). marmosets are not larger than squirrels, and present great variation in colour; all have long tails, and many have the ears tufted. they differ from the other american monkeys in having one pair less of molar teeth in each jaw. the common marmoset, _hapale_ (or _chrysothrix_) _jacchus_, is locally known as the _oustiti_, while the name piriche is applied to another species (see primates).