1. A small, mainly carnivorous mammal of the weasel family of North America: "The skunk has a bushy tail, black hair with white stripes from head to tail."

"When in danger or frightened, skunks eject a very strong and extremely unpleasant smelling fluid from a pair of glands near their tails."

"The fur of skunks were often used to make coats, head covers, etc."

2. Informally, a mean contemptible person: "When Rebecca was almost knocked down by a man who bumped into her, she said, 'You skunk, watch where you're going!' "