polecat

American  

[pohl-kat] / ˈpoʊlˌkæt /

noun

plural

polecats,

plural

polecat

1. a European mammal, Mustela putorius, of the weasel family, having a blackish fur and ejecting a fetid fluid when attacked or disturbed.

2. any of various North American skunks.

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polecat British  

/ ˈpəʊlˌkæt /

noun

1. Also called (formerly): foumart.  a dark brown musteline mammal, Mustela putorius, of woodlands of Europe, Asia, and N Africa, that is closely related to but larger than the weasel and gives off an unpleasant smell See also sweet marten

2. any of various related animals, such as the marbled polecat, Vormela peregusna

3. a nontechnical name for skunk

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Etymology

Origin of polecat

1275–1325; Middle English polcat, perhaps equivalent to Middle French pol, poul “chicken” (< Latin pullus ) + cat ( def. )

Example Sentences

Other species that have gotten infected around the world include a badger, bobcat, coyote, dolphin, ferret, fisher cat, fox, lynx, opossum, otter, pig, polecat, porpoise, raccoon, raccoon dog and multiple minks and seals.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2023

“We’re preparing for everything. Some wildcat, polecat, everything. Don’t be surprised if they come out there with that ‘Little Giants’ formation or the Flying V. They’ve got something up their sleeve.

From Washington Times • Sep. 16, 2016

Foreign Affairs Department staff also reported one traveller asking for help looking after her dogs while she was away and one asking for help to get a polecat out of the roof.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2014

Now, as Raoul Silva, 007's nemesis in the new movie, Skyfall, the actor looks as if an albino polecat is draped across his head.

From The Guardian • Oct. 12, 2012

On Hecate’s shoulder, Gale the polecat barked with admiration.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan