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]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

Mellivora capensis
    n 1: nocturnal badger-like carnivore of wooded regions of Africa
         and southern Asia [syn: ratel, honey badger, Mellivora
         capensis]