Ra"tel (?), n. [F.] Zool.
Any carnivore of the genus Mellivora, allied to the weasels and the skunks; -- called also honey badger.
Several species are known in Africa and India. The Cape ratel (M. Capensis) and the Indian ratel (M. Indica) are the best known. The back is gray; the lower parts, face, and tail are black. They are fond of honey, and rob the nests of wild bees.
© Webster 1913.