Also 6 fechet, 7–8 fichat. [dim. of FITCH sb.2]
1. = FITCHEW 1, 2.
1535. in Weaver, Wells Wills (1890), 28–9. My blew furryd gowne of fechets.
1653. Walton, Angler, I. i. 14. The Fichat … and the like creatures.
1772. T. Simpson, Vermin-Killer, 23. The Polecat, Fitchat, Fitchew, Formet. The same animal called by different Names in different Countries; he is of a mischievious nature, will get into hen-houses, and destroy Chickens, Ducks, &c. and if possible carry them away.
1885. [see FITCHEW 1].
† 2. Incorrectly: The weasel. Obs. exc. dial.
1693. Ray, Synops. Animal., 195.
1713. Richardson, in Phil. Trans., XXVIII. 170. He [Ray] says that Mustela vulgaris is called here a Foumart or Fitchet.
1881. Leicestersh. Gloss., Fitchet … sometimes incorrectly applied to a weasel.
