[syn: ferret out, ferret]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Ferret \Fer"ret\, n. [F. feret, dim. or fer iron, L. ferrum.]
(Glass Making)
The iron used for trying the melted glass to see if is fit to
work, and for shaping the rings at the mouths of bottles.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Ferret \Fer"ret\, n. [F. furet, cf. LL. furo; prob. fr. L. fur
thief (cf. Furtive); cf. Arm. fur wise, sly.] (Zool.)
An animal of the Weasel family (Mustela furo syn. Putorius
furo), about fourteen inches in length, of a pale yellow or
white color, with red eyes. It is a native of Africa, but has
been domesticated in Europe. Ferrets are used to drive
rabbits and rats out of their holes. They are sometimes kept
as pets.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Ferret \Fer"ret\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ferreted; p. pr. & vb.
n. Ferreting.] [Cf. F. fureter. See Ferret, n.]
To drive or hunt out of a lurking place, as a ferret does the
cony; to search out by patient and sagacious efforts; --
often used with out; as, to ferret out a secret.
[1913 Webster]
Master Fer! I'll fer him, and firk him, and ferret him.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Ferret \Fer"ret\, n. [Ital. foretto, dim. of fiore flower; or F.
fleuret. Cf. Floret.]
A kind of narrow tape, usually made of woolen; sometimes of
cotton or silk; -- called also ferreting.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
ferret
n 1: musteline mammal of prairie regions of United States;
nearly extinct [syn: black-footed ferret, ferret,
Mustela nigripes]
2: domesticated albino variety of the European polecat bred for
hunting rats and rabbits
v 1: hound or harry relentlessly
2: hunt with ferrets
3: search and discover through persistent investigation; "She
ferreted out the truth" [syn: ferret out, ferret]