# polecat

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈpəʊlkæt/ · frequency rank #94,133

## Definitions
1. A weasel-like animal of the genus Mustela.
2. A weasel-like animal of the genus Mustela.
3. A skunk.
4. A tubular device used to support lights on a set.

## Etymology
From Middle English polcat, pulkat, of uncertain origin. Perhaps from Middle English *pole, *poule (“hen”), from Old French poule (“hen”) + Middle English cat. Compare English foulmart.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/polecat