In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
ratel, honey badger, Mellivora capensis
(noun) nocturnal badger-like carnivore of wooded regions of Africa and southern Asia
Source: WordNet® 3.1
ratel (plural ratels)
A carnivorous mammal, Mellivora capensis, found in Africa and some parts of Asia; the honey badger.
• Alert, alert, alter, alter-, altre, artel, later, taler, telar
Source: Wiktionary
Ra"tel, n. Etym: [F.] (Zoƶl.)
Definition: Any carnivore of the genus Mellivora, allied to the weasels and the skunks; -- called also honey badger.
Note: 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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
29 May 2025
(adjective) characterized by careful evaluation and judgment; āa critical readingā; āa critical dissertationā; āa critical analysis of Melvilleās writingsā
In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.