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Entry 2 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Skunk

/skŭngk/ · IPA /skʌŋk/
01 n. Any one of several species of American musteline carnivores of the genus Mephitis and allied genera. They have two glands near the anus, se…
  1. 1.
    Any one of several species of American musteline carnivores of the genus Mephitis and allied genera. They have two glands near the anus, secreting an extremely fetid liquid, which the animal ejects at pleasure as a means of defense.(Zool.)
Phrases & compounds
Skunk bird — the bobolink; -- so called because the male, in the breeding season, is black and white, like a skunk.
Skunk cabbage — an American aroid herb (Symplocarpus fœtidus) having a reddish hornlike spathe in earliest spring, followed by a cluster of large cabbagelike leaves. It exhales a disagreeable odor. Also called swamp cabbage.
Skunk porpoise — See under Porpoise.
02 v. t. In games of chance and skill: To defeat (an opponent) (as in cards) so that he fails to gain a point, or (in checkers) to get a king.
  1. 1.
    In games of chance and skill: To defeat (an opponent) (as in cards) so that he fails to gain a point, or (in checkers) to get a king.[Colloq. U. S.]