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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Ferret \Fer"ret\, n. [F. feret, dim. or fer iron, L. ferrum.]
(Glass Making)
The iron used for trying the melted glass to see if is fit to
work, and for shaping the rings at the mouths of bottles.
[1913 Webster]


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]


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.
[1913 Webster]

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


Ferret \Fer"ret\, n. [Ital. foretto, dim. of fiore flower; or F.
fleuret. Cf. {Floret}.]
A kind of narrow tape, usually made of woolen; sometimes of
cotton or silk; -- called also {ferreting}.
[1913 Webster]