A small domesticated mammal related to the weasel, often kept as a pet or used for hunting rabbits. As a verb, it means to search persistently or hunt out something.
From Old French 'furet,' derived from Latin 'fur' meaning 'thief,' referencing the animal's reputation for stealing and hiding objects. The verb sense developed from the animal's hunting behavior of pursuing prey into burrows.
Ferrets have been domesticated for over 2,000 years, making them one of humanity's oldest companion animals after dogs and cats. They sleep 18-20 hours per day and are so playful that they perform a 'war dance' when excited - a frenzied hopping and bouncing that looks like pure joy made visible.
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