mouse

mouse [mous; ] for v., also [ mouz]

n.

pl. mice [ME mous < OE mus, akin to Ger maus < IE * mūs, a mouse > Gr mys, L mus, mouse & musculus,MUSCLE]

1. any of a large number of small, widespread rodents belonging to various families and having small ears and a long, thin tail, esp., a species (Mus musculus) that commonly infests buildings

2.

a) Rare a girl or young woman: a term of endearment

b) a timid or spiritless person

3. Slang a dark, swollen bruise under the eye; black eye

☆ 4. [< the shape, motions required for use, and trailing tail-like cord of the earliest devices] Comput. a small, hand-held device that is moved about on a flat surface in front of a video screen in such a way as to move or position the cursor or part of the display

vi.

moused, mousing

1. to hunt for or catch mice

2. to seek about or search for something busily and stealthily

vt.

1. to hunt for

2. Obs. to tear or rend as a cat does a mouse