polecat

[ pohl-kat ]

noun

, plural pole·cats, (especially collectively) pole·cat.

1. a European mammal, Mustela putorius, of the weasel family, having a blackish fur and ejecting a fetid fluid when attacked or disturbed. Compare ferret ¹( def 1 ).
2. any of various North American skunks.

polecat

/ ˈpəʊlˌkæt /

noun

1. See sweet marten
   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. See skunk
   a nontechnical name for skunk

Word History and Origins

Origin of polecat¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of polecat¹

C14 polcat, perhaps from Old French pol cock, from Latin pullus, + cat ¹; from its habit of preying on poultry

Example Sentences

Indeed, the whole tribe of Weasels is well represented, and the polecat is seen there as well as the Weasel.

From Project Gutenberg

Instead of this fringe, the tassels sometimes consists of the tail of a polecat or some other animal.

From Project Gutenberg

He commissioned his comrade to bring him offerings of a white wolf, a polecat, some pounded maize, and eagles' tails.

From Project Gutenberg

A man is a darned fool to fight a polecat, Cap'n Sproul, and you ought to have known better than to let drive at him as you did.

From Project Gutenberg

His teeth are like those of the polecat, though larger and stronger in proportion to its size.

From Project Gutenberg