CIV′ET

Syn. Civet′ta Zybeth′um , L. A perfume obtained from the civet cat ( Viverra civella , Linn.), a fierce, carnivorous quadruped, somewhat resembling a fox, found in China and the East and West Indies. The civet is secreted in a sort of pouch between the anus and the sexual organs. “Several of these animals have been brought into Holland, and afford a considerable branch of commerce, especially at Amsterdam. The civet is squeezed out in summer every other day, in winter twice a week; the quantity procured at once is from 2 scruples to 1 drachm or more.” Civet is frequently adulterated with spermaceti and butter, and a similar substance to civet, but of a darker colour, obtained from the polecat. When pure it has an odour intermediate between that of musk and ambergris, but le refined; a pale-yellow colour; an acrid taste; and the consistence of honey. It is used in perfumery.