\Zo*ril"la\, n. [Sp. zorilla, zorillo, dim. of zorra,
zorro, a fox: cf. F. zorille.] (Zo["o]l.)
Either one of two species of small African carnivores of the
genus {Ictonyx} allied to the weasels and skunks. [Written
also {zoril}, and {zorille}.]
Note: The best-known species ({Ictonyx zorilla}) has black
      shiny fur with white bands and spots. It has anal
      glands which produce a very offensive secretion,
      similar to that of the skunk. It feeds upon birds and
      their eggs and upon small mammals, and is often very
      destructive to poultry. It is sometimes tamed by the
      natives, and kept to destroy rats and mice. Called also
      {mariput}, {Cape polecat}, and {African polecat}. The
      name is sometimes erroneously applied to the American
      skunk.