skumt

and v. An obsolete form of scum. skunk (skungk), n. [Formerly also skunck, squuncke (William Wood, 1634) (in an early F. form scangare e ); of Algonkin origin, Abenaki seganku, Cree seecawk, a skunk.] 1. A fetid animal of the American genus Mephitis, M. mephitic a. In consequence of its abundance and general distribution, as well as certain peculiarities, the common Common Skunk ( Mephitis mephitic a). 5679 offensive suffocating odor, capable of being spirted several feet in fine spray, and of soon scenting the air for several hundred yards. The pungent effluvium is not le dura skyft 2. The region of clouds, wind, and rain; that part of the earth's atmosphere in which mete has been spilled upon the person or clothes. It produces nausea in some persons, and has occasionally been used in minute doses as a remedy for asthma. Cases of a kind of hydrophobia from the bite of the skunk, with fatal result, have been reported, and appear to be authentic. For technical characters, see Mephitis. The Skunck or Pole-Cat is very common. R. Rogers, Account of North America (London, 1765), p. 225. By extension-2. Any species of one of the American genera Mephitis, Spilogale, and Cone patus, and some others of the family Mustelidæ, as the African zorille, Asiatic teledu or stinkard, etc. See these words.-3. A base fellow: a vulgar term of reproach.-4. [