Main Entry: pole·cat

Pronunciation: \ˈpōl-ˌkat\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural polecats or polecat

Etymology: Middle English polcat, probably from Middle French poul, pol cock + Middle English cat; probably from its preying on poultry — more at pullet

Date: 14th century

1 : any of several carnivorous mammals (as of the genera Mustela or Vormela) of the weasel family; especially : a brown to black European mammal (M. putorius) from which the domesticated ferret is derived
2 : skunk