polecat etymology

Etymology

The word "polecat" originates from the Middle English word "polcat," which is a combination of:

  • Poul (meaning "chicken" or "poultry")
  • Cat (referring to the animal's carnivorous nature)

Meaning

A polecat is:

  • A small, carnivorous mammal of the Mustelidae family
  • Known for its distinctive black and white fur
  • A member of the genus Mustela, which includes other animals such as weasels, stoats, and ferrets

Origin

The polecat (Mustela putorius) is a species of mammal native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is believed to have evolved from a common ancestor with other members of the Mustela genus around 2 million years ago.

The word "polecat" has been used to refer to these animals since the 14th century. It likely originated from the observation that polecats often preyed on poultry, earning them the reputation of being a pest and a threat to livestock.

polecat relate terms

  • pullet

    Etymology The word pullet is derived from the Old French word poulette which in turn

  • pony

    Etymology The word pony is derived from the Middle English word poni which in turn d

  • skunk

    Etymology Origin Native American Algonquian languages specifically from the Penobscot

  • polecat

    Etymology The word polecat originates from the Middle English word polcat which is a

  • mustelid

    Etymology The word mustelid is derived from the Latin word mustela which means wea

  • ferret

    Etymology The word ferret comes from the Middle French word furet meaning little t

  • wood

    Etymology and Origin The word wood comes from the Middle English word wude which is

  • dearth

    Etymology Middle English derth from Old English deore dear precious costly Proto

  • silhouette

    Etymology French silhouette Origin after Étienne de Silhouette French minister of f

  • review

    Etymology The word review derives from the Old French word reveue which in turn come

  • bless

    Etymology The word bless has its roots in the Proto Indo European PIE word bhlēǵ

  • mall

    Etymology The word mall is derived from the Latin word malleus which means hammer

  • suffrage

    Etymology Middle English suffrage c 1440 Anglo French suffrage 13th century La