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.
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.
