ferrets

Noun (1)

ferret (plural ferrets)

1. An often domesticated mammal (Mustela putorius furo) rather like a weasel, descended from the European polecat and often trained to hunt burrowing animals.
2. A black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes).
3. (figuratively) A diligent searcher.
   • The most challenging documentary discoveries were made by a tenacious archival ferret, Dr Antonio Bertoletti. In 1879 he published his findings in a slim, refreshingly dry volume, Francesco Cenci e la sua Famiglia.1998 July 2, Charles Nicholl, “Screaming in the Castle”, in London Review of Books, volume XX, number 13

Noun (2)

ferret

1. (dated) A tape of silk, cotton, or ribbon, used to tie documents, clothing, etc. or along the edge of fabric.
   • red tape and green ferret1852 March – 1853 September, Charles Dickens, Bleak House, London: Bradbury and Evans, […], published 1853, →OCLC

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