polecat

views updated Jun 11 2018

pole·cat / ˈpōlˌkat/ • n. a weasellike Eurasian mammal (genus Mustela, family Mustelidae) with mainly dark brown fur and a darker mask across the eyes, noted for ejecting a fetid fluid when threatened. ∎ another term for skunk.

polecat

views updated May 14 2018

polecat Any of several species of small, carnivorous, nocturnal mammals that live in wooded areas of Eurasia and n Africa; especially Mustela putorius, the common polecat. It has a slender body, long bushy tail, anal scent glands, and brown to black fur known as fitch. It eats small animals, birds and eggs. Length: 45.7cm (18in). Family Mustelidae.

polecat

views updated Jun 11 2018

polecat XIV (polcat). The first el. is of unkn. orig. the second is CAT.