from
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]