Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FER'RET, n. [D. vret; Fr. furet; G. frett, or frettchen, or frettwiesel; W. fured; Ir. firead; Sp. huron; It. furetto. Fur in W. is subtil, penetrating, cunning.]

1. An animal of the genus Mustela, or Weasel kind, about inches in length, of a pale yellow color, with red eyes. It is a native of Africa, but has been introduced into Europe. It can not however bear cold, and can not subsist even in France, except in a domestic state. Ferrets are used to catch rabbits. Encyc.
2. A kind of narrow woolen tape.
3. Among glass makers, the iron used to try the melted matter, to see if it is fit to work, and to make the rings at the mouths of bottles. Encyc.