Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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 cat
     n 1: raccoon-like omnivorous mammal of Mexico and the
          southwestern United States having a long bushy tail with
          black and white rings [syn: {bassarisk}, {cacomistle}, {cacomixle},
           {coon cat}, {raccoon fox}, {ringtail}, {ring-tailed cat},
           {miner's cat}, {Bassariscus astutus}]
     2: catlike mammal typically secreting musk used in perfumes
        [syn: {civet}]