The affix kan comes in the sense of 'like this' when the whole word so formed is a Name.,
This applies when imitation is not meant. Thus अश्वसदृशस्य संज्ञा = अश्वकः 'a thing reminding a horse'. उष्ट्रकः, गर्दभकः ॥,
सञ्ज्ञायां च
Adhyāya 5 · Pāda 3 · Rule 97