Skūnk, n.

n. [Contracted from the Abenaki seganku.] (Zool.) A carnivorous animal of the genus Mephitis, found over a very wide extent of country in North America. It is nearly allied to the weasel on the one hand, and to the otter on the other. This animal has two glands near the inferior extremity of the alimentary canal, secreting an extremely fetid liquor, which the animal has the power of emitting at pleasure as a means of defense. This liquor possesses valuable medicinal powers, but its extreme offensiveness interferes with its use.