Mariput

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Mariput \Mar"i*put\ (m[a^]r"[i^]*p[u^]t), n. (Zool.)
     A species of civet; the zoril.
     [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:



  Zorilla \Zo*ril"la\, n. [Sp. zorilla, zorillo, dim. of zorra,
     zorro, a fox: cf. F. zorille.] (Zool.)
     Either one of two species of small African carnivores of the
     genus {Ictonyx} allied to the weasels and skunks. [Written
     also {zoril}, and {zorille}.]
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The best-known species ({Ictonyx zorilla}) has black
           shiny fur with white bands and spots. It has anal
           glands which produce a very offensive secretion,
           similar to that of the skunk. It feeds upon birds and
           their eggs and upon small mammals, and is often very
           destructive to poultry. It is sometimes tamed by the
           natives, and kept to destroy rats and mice. Called also
           {mariput}, {Cape polecat}, and {African polecat}. The
           name is sometimes erroneously applied to the American
           skunk.
           [1913 Webster]