ratel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun nocturnal badger-like carnivore of wooded regions of Africa and southern Asia
    honey badger; Mellivora capensis.

WordNet

Ra"tel noun
Etymology
F.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) Any carnivore of the genus Mellivora, allied to the weasels and the skunks; -- called also honey badger. ✍ Several species are known in Africa and India. The Cape ratel (M. Capensis) and the Indian ratel (M. Indica) are the best known. The back is gray; the lower parts, face, and tail are black. They are fond of honey, and rob the nests of wild bees.

Webster 1913