Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Civet
Civ′et
(sĭv′ĕt)
, Noun.
[F.
civette
(cf. It. zibetto
) civet, civet cat, fr. LGr. ζαπέτιον
, fr. Ar. zubād
, zabād
, civet.] 1.
A substance, of the consistence of butter or honey, taken from glands in the anal pouch of the civet (
Viverra civetta
). It is of clear yellowish or brownish color, of a strong, musky odor, offensive when undiluted, but agreeable when a small portion is mixed with another substance. It is used as a perfume. 2.
(Zool)
The animal that produces civet (
Viverra civetta
); – called also civet cat
. It is carnivorous, from two to three feet long, and of a brownish gray color, with transverse black bands and spots on the body and tail. It is a native of northern Africa and of Asia. The name is also applied to other species. Civ′et
,Verb.
T.
To scent or perfume with civet.
Cowper
Webster 1828 Edition
Civet
CIVET
,Noun.
Definition 2024
civet
civet
See also: civět
English
Alternative forms
Noun
civet (plural civets)
- A carnivorous catlike animal, Civettictis civetta, that produces a musky secretion. It is two to three feet long, with black bands and spots on the body and tail.
- The musky perfume produced by the animal.
- 1599, William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing, Act 3 Scene 2
- LEONATO. Indeed he looks younger than he did, by the loss of a beard.
- DON PEDRO. Nay, a' rubs himself with civet: can you smell him out by that?
- CLAUDIO. That's as much as to say the sweet youth's in love.
- 1599, William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing, Act 3 Scene 2
- Any animal in the family Viverridae or the similar family Nandiniidae
- (US) Any of several species of spotted skunk, in the genus Spilogale.
Derived terms
Translations
cat-like animal
|
|
perfume