civet cat

civet cat
    n 1: raccoon-like omnivorous mammal of Mexico and the
         southwestern United States having a long bushy tail with
         black and white rings [syn: {bassarisk}, {cacomistle},
         {cacomixle}, {coon cat}, {raccoon fox}, {ringtail}, {ring-
         tailed cat}, {civet cat}, {miner's cat}, {Bassariscus
         astutus}]
    2: cat-like mammal typically secreting musk used in perfumes
       [syn: {civet}, {civet cat}]
    

Civet \Civ"et\ (s[i^]v"[e^]t), n. [F. civette (cf. It. zibetto)
   civet, civet cat, fr. LGr. zape`tion, fr. Ar. zub[=a]d,
   zab[=a]d, civet.]
   1. A substance, of the consistence of butter or honey, taken
      from glands in the anal pouch of the civet ({Viverra
      civetta}). It is of clear yellowish or brownish color, of
      a strong, musky odor, offensive when undiluted, but
      agreeable when a small portion is mixed with another
      substance. It is used as a perfume.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Zool) The animal that produces civet ({Viverra civetta});
      -- called also {civet cat}. It is carnivorous, from two to
      three feet long, and of a brownish gray color, with
      transverse black bands and spots on the body and tail. It
      is a native of northern Africa and of Asia. The name is
      also applied to other species.
      [1913 Webster]