Definition of: skunk

(skungk) noun
1. A nocturnal, burrowing carnivore of North America (family Mustelidae), usually black with a white stripe running from the nape of the neck to a large, bushy tail: under the tail are perineal glands that secrete a liquid of very offensive odor ejected at will. The common striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) of the United States is about the size of a cat, and there are spotted varieties (genus Spilogale).
2. Colloq. A low, contemptible person.
—v.t. Slang To defeat, as in a contest, so thoroughly as to keep from scoring. [<Algonquian seganku]
SKUNK
(Up to 16 inches in length; tail: 7 inches)