Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Civet \Civ"et\, v. t.
   To scent or perfume with civet. --Cowper

Civet \Civ"et\, n. [F. civette (cf. It. zibetto) civet, civet
   cat, fr. LGr. ?, fr. Ar. zub?d, zab?d, civet.]
   1. A substance, of the consistence of butter or honey, taken
      from glands in the anal pouch of the civet ({Viverra
      civetta}). It is of clear yellowish or brownish color, of
      a strong, musky odor, offensive when undiluted, but
      agreeable when a small portion is mixed with another
      substance. It is used as a perfume.

   2. (Zo["o]l) The animal that produces civet ({Viverra
      civetta}); -- called also {civet cat}. It is carnivorous,
      from two to three feet long, and of a brownish gray color,
      with transverse black bands and spots on the body and
      tail. It is a native of northern Africa and of Asia. The
      name is also applied to other species.

Source : WordNet®

civet
     n : catlike mammal typically secreting musk used in perfumes
         [syn: {civet cat}]