civet cat

the fur of the cacomistle.

Western U.S. skunk.

Also called California mink (for defs 1, 2).

Origin of civet cat

An Americanism dating back to 1600–10

She told me it had spots like a civet-cat, and this has spots like a civet-cat.'

The Violet Fairy Book |Various
I had a civet-cat the other day, too; but it ran away, after scratching my monkey's cheek, and I am in search of it still.

Life of Lord Byron, Vol. IV |Thomas Moore
Piang caught sight of a civet-cat crouching in a tree on one island.

The Adventures of Piang the Moro Jungle Boy |Florence Partello Stuart
And keeping her teeth still well exposed, Lady Larford glided away, her skirts exhaling an odour of civet-cat as she moved.

The Treasure of Heaven |Marie Corelli

He talks like a parrot, looks like a woman, dresses like a monkey, and smells like a civet-cat.

Self-control |Mary Brunton