transcription, транскрипция: [ ̈ɪˈferɪt ]
n. & v. --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.). øøferreter n. ferrety adj. [ME f. OF fu(i)ret alt. f. fu(i)ron f. LL furo -onis f. L fur thief]