(fer′it) noun
1. A small, red–eyed domesticated polecat of Europe (genus Mustela), about 14 inches long: used to hunt rodents and other vermin.
2. A black–footed weasel of the western United States (M. nigripes), which preys on prairie dogs.
—adjective Ferret-like; red, like the eyes of a ferret.
—v.t.
1. To drive out of hiding with a ferret.
2. To search out by careful investigation: with out.
3. To hunt with ferrets.
—v.i.
4. To hunt by means of ferrets.
5. To search. [<OF fuiret, dim. of fuiron <LL furon robber <fur a thief]
—fer′ret·er noun
—fer′ret·y adjective

(fer′it) noun
A narrow ribbon or tape, used for binding fabrics, etc. Also fer′ret·ing. [<Ital. fioretto, dim. of fiore a flower <L flos, floris]

(fer′it) noun
A glassmaker's iron rod for trying the melted material. [<F, dim. of fer iron <L ferrum]