Ferret

Definitions

1. An often domesticated mammal (Mustela putorius furo) rather like a weasel, descended from the polecat and often trained to hunt burrowing animals.
2. A tape of silk, cotton, or ribbon, used to tie documents, clothing, etc. or along the edge of fabric.
   dated
3. A black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes).
4. A diligent searcher.
   figuratively

Equivalents

Examples

“The most challenging documentary discoveries were made by a tenacious archival ferret, Dr Antonio Bertoletti. In 1879 he published his findings in a slim, refreshingly dry volume, Francesco Cenci e la sua Famiglia.”

“red tape and green ferret”

CEFR level