[Fr.] An animal of the weasel kind about 14 inches long, used for hunting rats ana rabbits out of their holes. It is like the weasel in form, has red eyes, and its fur is of a light brown, pale yellow, or white color. When used for rabbit-hunting its muzzle or jaws are tied together ; and as it cannot bite the rabbits, they are driven to the entrance of their burrows, where they are netted or shot. The ferret in winter must be protected from the cold. It is a native of Africa, but has been domesticated in Europe.