vole 1
/vohl/ , n.
any of several small mouselike or ratlike rodents of the genus Microtus and related genera, having short limbs and a short tail.
[ 1795-1805; short for volemouse field mouse, perh. vollmus, equiv. to voll field (cf. WOLD 1 ) + mus MOUSE ]
vole 2
/vohl/ , n.
1. Cards. the winning by one player of all the tricks of a deal.
2. go the vole ,
a. to venture everything on the chance of great rewards.
b. to try one after another, as a variety of occupations: He went the vole and finally settled on watchmaking.
[ 1670-80; voler to fly volare ]