Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SKUNK, n.

A digitigrade carnivorous mammal, the Mephitis Americana, found over a very wide extent of country, both in North and South America. It is nearly allied to the weasel on the one hand, and to the otter on the other. This animal has two glands near the inferior extremity of the alimentary canal, which secrete an extremely fetid liquor, and which the animal has the power of emitting at pleasure as a means of defense. This liquor possesses valuable medicinal powers, but its extreme offensiveness interferes with its use.