/pohl"kat'/ , n. , pl. polecats , ( esp. collectively ) polecat .
1. a European mammal, Mustela putorius, of the weasel family, having a blackish fur and ejecting a fetid fluid when attacked or disturbed. Cf. ferret 1 (def. 1).
2. any of various North American skunks.
[ 1275-1325; ME polcat, perh. equiv. to MF pol, poul chicken ( pullus ) + CAT 1 ]