MONGOOSE

[mon.goose] n, pl mon.goos.es also mon.geese [Hindi & Marathi magus, fr. Prakrit mamgusa] (1698): any of the viverrid mammals that comprise two subfamilies (Herpestinae and Galidiinae) often grouped in a separate family (Herpestidae), that include agile ferret-sized mammals sometimes with bands or stripes, and that feed on small animals and fruits