from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Habitant \Hab"it*ant\ (h[a^]b"[i^]t*ant), n. [F. habitant. See
{Habit}, v. t.]
[1913 Webster]
1. An inhabitant; a dweller. --Milton. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
2. [F. pron. [.a]`b[-e]`t[aum]N"] An inhabitant or resident;
-- a name applied to and denoting farmers of French
descent or origin in Canada, especially in the Province of
Quebec; -- usually in the plural.
[1913 Webster]
The habitants or cultivators of the soil. --Parkman.
[1913 Webster]