From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Manis \Ma"nis\ (m[=a]"n[i^]s), n. [NL., fr. L. manes the ghosts
or shades of the dead. So called from its dismal appearance,
and because it seeks for its food by night.] (Zool.)
A genus of edentates, covered with large, hard, triangular
scales, with sharp edges that overlap each other like tiles
on a roof. They inhabit the warmest parts of Asia and Africa,
and feed on ants. Called also Scaly anteater. See
Pangolin.
[1913 Webster] Manitou
Manito