Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CIV'ET, n. [Fr. civette; It. zibetto; Pers. زَبَادْ zabad, the sweet scent of any beast; Ar. زُبَّادٌ zobbadon, cream, and civet; زِبَادَءٌ‎‎ zibadahan, a civet-cat. The Arabic verb signifies to make butter, and this substance may be named from its resemblance to it.]

A substance, of the consistence of butter or honey, taken from a bag under the tail of the civet-cat. It is of a clear, yellowish, or brownish color; of a strong smell, and offensive when undiluted, but agreeable when a small portion is mixed with another substance. It is used as a perfume. – Encyc.