THE Hind-wolfe, which
some call Chaüs, and the Gaules were wont to name Rhaphius (resembling
in some sort a wolfe with Leopards spots) were shewed first in the
solemnitie of the games and plaies exhibited by
Cn. Pompeius the Great. He also brought out of Æthyopia other beasts, named
***Cephi,
whose fore-feet were like to mens hands, and the hinder feet and legges
resembled those of a man. He was never seene afterwards at Rome.
This is in Pliny Elder's Natural History about the chaus, a dubious species of wild cat, fox or wolf. I'd like to know if there's some attested Celtic matching this name Rhaphius. This "leopard-spotted wolf" seems to be the lynx.
Joao S. Lopes