n. & v.
--n.
1. a any of various cat-sized flesh-eating mammals of the family Mustelidae, esp. Mephitis mephitis having a distinctive black and white striped fur and able to emit a powerful stench from a liquid secreted by its anal glands as a defence. b its fur.
2 colloq. a thoroughly contemptible person.
--v.tr.
1. US sl. defeat.
2 fail to pay (a bill etc.).
Phrases and idioms:
skunk-bear US a wolverine. skunk-cabbage US a herbaceous plant, Lysichiton americanum, with an offensive-smelling spathe.
Etymology: Amer. Ind. segankw, segongw