<p><strong>noun</strong></p><ul><li>a domesticated, usually red-eyed, and albinic variety of the polecat, used in Europe for driving rabbits and rats from their burrows.</li><li>black-footed ferret.</li></ul><p><strong>verb</strong></p><ul><li><p>(used with object)</p><ul><li>to drive out by using or as if using a ferret (often followed by out): to ferret rabbits from their burrows; to ferret out enemies.</li><li>to hunt with ferrets.</li><li>to hunt over with ferrets: to ferret a field.</li><li>to search out, discover, or bring to light (often followed by out): to ferret out the facts.</li><li>to harry, worry, or torment: His problems ferreted him day and night.</li></ul></li><li><p>(used without object)</p><ul><li>to search about.</li></ul></li></ul>