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.
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Master Fer! I'll fer him, and firk him, and ferret him.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]