Any one of several species of Manis, Pholidotus, and related genera, found in Africa and Asia. They are covered with imbricated scales, and feed upon ants. Called also scaly ant-eater. [1913 Webster]
pangolin, n. any scaly anteater of the genus Manis, native to Asia and Africa, having a small head with elongated snout and tongue, and a tapering tail.
Etymology
Malay peng-goling roller (from its habit of rolling itself up)