a musteline mammal, Mellivora capensis, inhabiting wooded regions of Africa and S Asia. It has a massive body, strong claws, and a thick coat that is paler on the back and it feeds on honey and small animals
2. South Africa
a six-wheeled armoured vehicle
Word origin
C18: from Afrikaans
ratel in American English
(ˈreɪtəl; ˈrɑtəl)
noun
a fierce badger (Mellivora capensis) of India and tropical Africa
Word origin
Afrik, short for rateldas < Du raat, honeycomb + das, badger; akin to Ger dachs