polecat

(pōlkat′)

noun pl. polecats or polecat

  1. any of several small, Old World weasels, usually having anal glands that eject foul-smelling fluid when the animal is in danger, esp. one (Mustela putorius) that is known as a “ferret” when domesticated to kill rats, mice, etc.
  2. skunk

Origin: ME polcat, prob. < OFr poule (see poultry) + cat

See polecat in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. a. A chiefly nocturnal European carnivorous mammal (Mustela putorius) of the weasel family that ejects a malodorous fluid to mark its territory and ward off enemies. Also called fitch.
    b. Any of various related mammals of Asia, especially Mustela eversmanni of central Asia.
  2. See skunk.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English polcat

Origin: : possibly Old French poll, poule, fowl, hen; see pullet

Origin: + Middle English cat, cat; see Cat 

.

Learn more about polecat

link/cite print suggestion box