̈ɪˈferɪt n. & v. --n. 1 a
small half-domesticated
polecat, Mustela putorius furo, used in
catching rabbits, rats, etc. 2 a
person who searches assiduously. --v. 1 intr.
hunt with ferrets. 2 intr.
rummage;
search about. 3 tr. (often foll. by about,
away,
out, etc.) a
clear out (holes or an
area of ground) with ferrets. b
take or
drive away (rabbits etc.) with ferrets. 4 tr. (foll. by out) search out (secrets, criminals, etc.). øøferreter n. ferrety adj. [ME f. OF fu(i)ret alt. f. fu(i)ron f. LL furo -onis f. L
fur thief]