ratel

[ reyt-l, raht-l ]

noun

1. a badgerlike carnivore, Mellivora capensis, of Africa and India.

ratel

/ ˈreɪtəl /

noun

1. Also calledhoney badger a musteline mammal, Mellivora capensis , inhabiting wooded regions of Africa and S Asia. It has a massive body, strong claws, and a thick coat that is paler on the back and it feeds on honey and small animals
2. a six-wheeled armoured vehicle

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratel¹

1770–80; < Afrikaans < Dutch dialect ratel, variant of raat honeycomb; perhaps originally a compound with this word, referring to the animal's fondness for honey

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratel¹

C18: from Afrikaans

Example Sentences

So let’s get this out of the way — how can an African ratel possibly be born in the U.S.?

From Forbes

She went there a great deal to study the animals, and was particularly fond of the "poor dear ratel" that used to turn somersaults.

From Project Gutenberg

On the other hand, when the nest chanced to be in a tree, they knew the ratel could not reach it—this animal not being a tree-climber.

From Project Gutenberg

It is said also to dig up the nests of wasps in order to eat the larvae, as the ratel—a closely allied South African form—is said to rob the bees of their honey.

From Project Gutenberg

The ratel lies in wait for this bird; and, on hearing the cry, makes towards it, and keeps following its flights till the bees’ nest is found.

From Project Gutenberg