An animal of the Weasel family (Mustela / Putorius furo),
about fourteen inches in length, of a pale yellow or white color, with
red eyes. It is a native of Africa, but has been domesticated in
Europe. Ferrets are used to drive rabbits and rats out of their holes.

To drive or hunt out of a lurking place, as a ferret does
the cony; to search out by patient and sagacious efforts; – often used
with out; as, to ferret out a secret.

A kind of narrow tape, usually made of woolen; sometimes of
cotton or silk; – called also ferreting.