Ra″tel (rā″tĕl), n.(Zoöl.) 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.