ferreting

2 definitions found

ferreting - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Ferret \Fer"ret\, n. [Ital. foretto, dim. of fiore flower; or F.
     fleuret. Cf. Floret.]
     A kind of narrow tape, usually made of woolen; sometimes of
     cotton or silk; -- called also ferreting.
     [1913 Webster]

  Ferret \Fer"ret\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ferreted; p. pr. & vb.
     n. Ferreting.] [Cf. F. fureter. See Ferret, n.]
     To drive or hunt out of a lurking place, as a ferret does the
     cony; to search out by patient and sagacious efforts; --
     often used with out; as, to ferret out a secret.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Master Fer! I'll fer him, and firk him, and ferret him.
                                                    --Shak.
     [1913 Webster]