[er.mine] n, pl ermines [ME, fr. OF, of Gmc origin; akin to OHG harmo weasel] (12c) 1 or pl ermine a: any of several weasels whose coats become white in winter usu. with black on the tip of the tail; esp: a short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea) of the forests and tundra of Eurasia and No. America b: the white fur of the ermine
2: a rank or office whose ceremonial or official robe is ornamented with ermine