FERRET

n. v.

4 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)


1.
n.

An animal of the Weasel family (Mustela or Putorius furo), about fourteen inches in length, of a pale yellow or white color, 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.

2.
v.

To drive or hunt out of a lurking place, as a ferret does the cony; to search out by patient and sagacious efforts; -- often used with out; as, to ferret out a secret. Master Fer! I'll fer him, and firk him, and ferret him. Shak.

3.
n.

A kind of narrow tape, usually made of woolen; sometimes of cotton or silk; -- called also ferreting.

4.
n.

The iron used for trying the melted glass to see if is fit to work, and for shaping the rings at the mouths of bottles.


← FERREST F — all words FERRET-EYE →