fer·ret / ˈferət/ • n. a domesticated polecat (Mustela putorius furo), typically albino or brown in coloration.• v. (-ret·ed , -ret·ing ) [intr.] (of a person) hunt with ferrets, typically for rabbits. ∎  look around in a place or container in search of something: he went to the desk and ferreted around. ∎  [tr.] (ferret something out) search tenaciously for and find something: ferret out the facts.DERIVATIVES: fer·ret·er n.

ferret Semi-domesticated albino form of polecat. Weasel-like animals, ferrets have long necks, slender bodies, and long tails. They are agile killers. Body length: 36cm (14in); weight: 700g (1.5lb). Family Mustelidae; species Mustela putorius.

ferret1 half-tamed variety of pole-cat. XIV. — OF. fuiret, (also mod.) furet, by suffix-substitution from OF. fuiron (:- Rom. *fūriōn-), beside furon :- late L. fūrō, fūrōn- thief, hence vb. XV.

ferret2 †floss-silk XVI; stout tape XVII. prob. — It. fioretti floss-silk, pl. of fioretto, dim. of fiore flower.