Definition of "weasel" in English

noun

1. Any of the carnivorous mammals of the genera Mustela, Neogale, Poecilogale, and Lyncodon, having a slender body, a long tail and usually a light brown upper coat and light-coloured belly.

2. A least weasel (Mustela nivalis).

3. Any of certain other species of the family Mustelidae.

4. (informal, derogatory) A devious or sneaky person or animal.

5. A type of yarn winder used for counting the yardage of handspun yarn. It most commonly has a wooden peg or dowel that pops up from the gearing mechanism after a certain number of yards have been wound onto the winder.

verb

1. (transitive) To achieve by clever or devious means.

   • Prisoners are notorious for weaseling day passes to get out of lockup […] .

2. (transitive or reflexive) To gain something for oneself by clever or devious means.

3. (intransitive) To engage in clever or devious behavior.