I. ˈva(a)](ə)r, ˈve], ]ə\ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English veir, from Old French vair, from vair, adjective, variegated, from Latin varius variegated, various — more at various
1. : a squirrel skin widely used in medieval times as fur trimming or lining for the garments of kings, nobles, and prelates — see miniver
2.
a. obsolete : vair ancient
b. : a heraldic fur consisting of rows of interlocking upright and inverted shield-shaped or bell-shaped panes alternately argent and azure unless other tinctures are specified with the rows being so placed one beneath another that each pane stands broad edge to broad edge or point to point with one of the opposite tincture
c.
(1) : a fur made up of panes typically found in vair — see countervair , vair in pale , vair undy
(2) : a fur or other repeat pattern known or believed to be historically a variety, variant, or modification of vair in its original medieval form
II. adjective
1. : of the heraldic vair
2. : vairé