squirrel
squir·rel / ˈskwərl/ • n. an agile tree-dwelling rodent (Sciurus and other genera, family Sciuridae) with a bushy tail, typically feeding on nuts and seeds. ∎ a related rodent of this family (see ground squirrel, flying squirrel). ∎ the fur of the squirrel.• v. (squirreled , squirreling ) 1. [tr.] (squirrel something away) hide money or something of value in a safe place: the money was squirreled away in foreign bank accounts. 2. [intr.] move in an inquisitive and restless manner: they were squirreling around in the woods in search of something.ORIGIN: Middle English: shortening of Old French esquireul, from a diminutive of Latin sciurus, from Greek skiouros, from skia ‘shade’ + oura ‘tail.’ Current verb senses date from the early 20th cent.
