ferret

An often domesticated mammal (Mustela putorius furo) rather like a weasel, descended from the polecat and often trained to hunt burrowing animals.

A black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes).

A diligent searcher.

The most challenging documentary discoveries were made by a tenacious archival ferret, Dr Antonio Bertoletti. In 1879 he published his findings in a slim, refreshingly dry volume, Francesco Cenci e la sua Famiglia.

To hunt game with ferrets.

To uncover and bring to light by searching; usually to ferret out.

Master Fer! I'll fer him, and firk him, and ferret him.

I confess that we were so unpopular with the outrageous mob, that I only got away from England at the risk of being ducked to death, and that Cly was so ferreted up and down, that he never would have got away at all but for that sham.

A tape of silk, cotton, or ribbon, used to tie documents, clothing, etc. or along the edge of fabric.

red tape and green ferret