ˈpōlˌkat, usu -ad.+V noun
( plural polecats also polecat )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English polcat, probably from Middle French poul, pol cock + Middle English cat; probably from its habit of feeding on poultry — more at pullet
1.
a. : a European carnivorous mammal ( Mustela putorius syn. Putorius foetidus ) of which the ferret is considered a domesticated variety and which is about two feet long, dark brownish above with white markings on the head, and blackish below
b. : any of several closely related animals of eastern Europe and Asia
2. : skunk ; especially : one of the genus Mephitis
3. Africa : zoril
4. : the common palm civet ( Paradoxurus hermaphroditus )
5. archaic : a vile or contemptible person ; especially : prostitute
out of my door, you witch, you hag, … you polecat — Shakespeare