GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 4 definitions

1.       
   Ferret , n. [F. furet, cf. LL. furo; prob. fr. L. fur thief (cf. Furtive); cf. Arm. fur wise, sly.] (Zool.) An animal of the Weasel family (Mustela furo syn. 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.  They are sometimes kept as pets.
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2.       
   Ferret, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ferreted; p. pr. & vb. n. Ferreting.] [Cf. F. fureter. See Ferret, n.] 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.
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   Master Fer! I'll fer him, and firk him, and ferret him.
   Shak.
   
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3.       
   Ferret, n. [Ital. foretto, dim. of fiore flower; or F. fleuret.  Cf. Floret.] A kind of narrow tape, usually made of woolen; sometimes of cotton or silk; -- called also ferreting.
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4.       
   Ferret, n. [F. feret, dim. or fer iron, L. ferrum.] (Glass Making) 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.
   1913 Webster