online medical dictionary | definition of ferret

<zoology> An animal of the Weasel family (Mustela or Putorius furo), about fourteen inches in length, of a pale yellow or white colour, with red eyes. It is a native of Africa, but has been domesticated in Europe. Ferrets are used to drive rabbits and rats out of their holes.

Origin: F. Furet, cf. LL. Furo; prob. Fr. L. Fur thief (cf. Furtive); cf. Arm. Fur wise, sly.

(01 Mar 1998)