ferret

I

fer•ret

[[t]ˈfɛr ɪt[/t]] n.

1) mam a domesticated variety of the polecat, used esp. in Europe for driving small mammals from their burrows

2) mam

Also called black-footed ferret a North American prairie weasel, Mustela nigripes with a black mask and black feet.

3) to drive out by or as if by using a ferret (often fol. by out):

to ferret rabbits from their burrows; to ferret out enemies[/ex]

4) to hunt with ferrets

5) to hunt over with ferrets:

to ferret a field[/ex]

6) to search out; bring to light (often fol. by out):

to ferret out the facts[/ex]

7) to harry or worry; torment

8) to search about

9) to hunt with ferrets

•

Etymology: 1350–1400; ME fer(r) et(te), fyret, furet < MF furet < VL *furittus=fūr thief (< L) +-ittus -et fer′ret•er, n. fer′ret•y, adj. II

fer•ret

[[t]ˈfɛr ɪt[/t]] n.

clo a narrow tape or ribbon, as of silk or cotton, used for trimming, etc. Also called fer′ret•ing

•

Etymology: 1570–80; alter. of It fioretto floss silk, lit., little flower =fior(e) (< L flōrem; see flower)