musteline mammal of prairie regions of United States; nearly extinct
"The endangered ferret population in the Great Plains has dwindled to just a few dozen individuals due to habitat loss."
domesticated albino variety of the European polecat bred for hunting rats and rabbits
"The farmer released his white ferrets into the barn to track down the last few mice hiding in the hayloft."
An often domesticated mammal (Mustela putorius furo) rather like a weasel, descended from the polecat and often trained to hunt burrowing animals.
"The tailor carefully wrapped a thin strip of red satin around the hem of the wedding dress before tucking it inside."
A tape of silk, cotton, or ribbon, used to tie documents, clothing, etc. or along the edge of fabric.
hound or harry relentlessly
"The curious cat would ferret every stray bug out of its hiding spots before lunchtime."
hunt with ferrets
"The hunter released two ferrets into the burrow to flush out the trapped fox."
To hunt game with ferrets.
"The local hunter decided to go ferreting for badgers in the dense hedgerows after dark."
The word comes from the Vulgar Latin furittum, a diminutive form meaning "little thief." This original sense referred to the animal's habit of stealing food or chasing other animals out of holes.