polecats

Variant of polecat

polecat definition

pole·cat (pōl′kat′)

noun pl. polecats -·cats′ or polecat -·cat′

  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

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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