—n.
1 a small half-domesticated polecat, Mustela putorius furo, used in catching rabbits, rats, etc.
2 a person who searches assiduously.
—v.
1 intr. hunt with ferrets.
2 intr. rummage; search about.
3 tr. (often foll. by about, away, out, etc.) a clear out (holes or an area of ground) with ferrets. b take or drive away (rabbits etc.) with ferrets.
4 tr. (foll. by out) search out (secrets, criminals, etc.).
Derivatives:
ferreter n. ferrety adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF fu(i)ret alt. f. fu(i)ron f. LL furo -onis f. L fur thief
Useful english dictionary. 2012.