Any one of numerous species of tortoises living in fresh and brackish waters. Many of them are valued for food. [1913 Webster]
Alligator terrapin, the snapping turtle. --
Mud terrapin, any one of numerous species of American tortoises of the genus Cinosternon. --
Painted terrapin, the painted turtle. See under Painted. --
Speckled terrapin, a small fresh-water American terrapin (Chelopus guttatus) having the carapace black with round yellow spots; -- called also spotted turtle.