Water shrew \Wa"ter shrew`\ (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several species of shrews having fringed feet and capable of swimming actively. The two common European species (Crossopus fodiens, and C. ciliatus) are the best known. The most common American water shrew, or marsh shrew (Neosorex palustris), is rarely seen, owing to its nocturnal habits.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)