Any edentate animal if the family Dasypidae, peculiar to
   America. The body and head are incased in an armor composed of small
   bony plates. The armadillos burrow in the earth, seldom going abroad
   except at night. When attacked, they curl up into a ball, presenting
   the armor on all sides. Their flesh is good food. There are several
   species, one of which (the peba) is found as far north as Texas. See
   Peba, Poyou, Tatouay.