Difference between revisions of "Weasel"

<p> So the [[Mishna]] interprets '''''Choled''''' (&nbsp;Leviticus 11:29), as meaning an animal that glides or slips away. So [[Septuagint]] and [[Vulgate]] But Bochart takes it as related to the Arabic '''''Chuld''''' , "the mole"; '''''Chephar''''' is the more usual [[Hebrew]] for the mole (&nbsp;Isaiah 2:20). The '''''Choled''''' was unclean. </p>

<p> [[Weasel, Weesel]]  n. s as z. A small animal of the genus Mustela, which lives under the roots of trees, or in other holes, and feeds on small birds, but particularly on mice. A weasel that frequents barns and corn-houses, frees them from rats and mice, and is sometimes deemed a very useful inmate. </p>

<p> [[Weasel]] ( ''Chôled'' ) occurs only in &nbsp;Leviticus 11:29, in the list of unclean animals; but the Hebrew word ought more probably to be translated "mole." Moles are common in Palestine. </p>

<p> ''''' wē´z ''''' ' ''''' 50 ''''' ( חלד , <i> ''''' ḥōledh ''''' </i> ; compare Arabic <i> ''''' khuld ''''' </i> , "mole-rat"): (1) <i> ''''' Ḥōledh ''''' </i> is found only in &nbsp; Leviticus 11:29 , where it stands first in the list of eight unclean "creeping things that creep upon the earth." the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) agree in rendering <i> ''''' ḥōledh ''''' </i> by "weasel," and the Septuagint has γαλῆ , <i> ''''' galḗ ''''' </i> , "weasel" or "marten." According to Gesenius, the Vulgate, Targum, and [[Talmud]] support the same rendering. In spite of this array of authorities, it is worth while to consider the claims of the mole-rat, <i> Spalax typhlus </i> , Arabic <i> ''''' khuld ''''' </i> . This is a very common rodent, similar in appearance and habits to the mole, which does not exist in Palestine. The fact that it burrows may be considered against it, in view of the words, "that creepeth upon the earth." The term "creeping thing" is, however, very applicable to it, and the objection seems like a quibble, especially in view of the fact that there is no category of subterranean animals. See [[Mole]] . (2) The weasel, <i> Mustela vulgaris </i> , has a wide range in Asia, Europe, and North America. It is from 8 to 10 inches long, including the short tail. It is brown above and white below. In the northern part of its range, its whole fur, except the tail, is white in winter. It is active and fearless, and preys upon all sorts of small mammals, birds and insects. See [[Lizard]] . </p>