The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Ratel \Ra"tel\ (r[=a]"t[e^]l), n. [F.] (Zool.)
   Any carnivore of the genus Mellivora, allied to the weasels
   and the skunks; -- called also honey badger.
   [1913 Webster]

   Note: Several species are known in Africa and India. The Cape
         ratel (Mellivora Capensis) and the Indian ratel
         (Mellivora Indica) are the best known. The back is
         gray; the lower parts, face, and tail are black. They
         are fond of honey, and rob the nests of wild bees.
         [1913 Webster]