Dictionary

polecat

noun pole·cat \ˈpōl-ˌkat\

: a European animal that has dark brown fur and a long thin body and that gives off a bad smell to defend itself

plural polecats or polecat

Full Definition of POLECAT

1
:  any of several carnivorous mammals (as of the genera Mustela or Vormela) of the weasel family; especially :  a brown to black European mammal (M. putorius) from which the domesticated ferret is derived
2
:  skunk
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Origin of POLECAT

Middle English polcat, probably from Middle French poul, pol cock + Middle English cat; probably from its preying on poultry — more at pullet
First Known Use: 14th century

Other Mammals Terms

dormouse, dugong, gibbon, grimalkin, sable, stoat, ungulate, vole
POLECAT Defined for Kids

polecat

noun pole·cat \ˈpōl-ˌkat\
plural pole·cats or polecat

Definition of POLECAT for Kids

1
:  a brown or black European animal related to the weasel
2
:  skunk

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