civet \civ"et\ si^v"e^t, n. f. civette cf. it. zibetto
   civet, civet cat, fr. lgr. zape`tion, fr. ar. zub=ad,
   zab=ad, 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.
      1913 webster

   2. zool 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.
      1913 webster
see also:
viverra civetta viverra civetta civet cat