"a mammal of the weasel family (Mustelidae),
distinguished by having a long body, short legs, and musky scent glands
under the tail."
Etymology:
1910, from Modern Latin Mustelidae, taken as a genus name by Linnaeus (1758), from Latin mustela "weasel," possibly related to mus "mouse" (see mouse (n.)). Tucker tentatively suggests *mus-ters-la "mouse harrier" and Klein notes that the weasel was identified in antiquity as "the catcher of mice."
Example:
We could be looking at a rat, or a fox, except both of those would’ve probably eaten the guts and stuff, not just the head. If it was an animal, I’m gonna say probably a mustelid. Like stoats and mink, right? One of that family. They’re into surplus killing.” I said, “That was Detective Curran’s guess, too. Would a mustelid fit with whatever was going on in the attic?” (French - Broken Harbour)