I. ˈir-ˌmärk noun
Date: 15th century
1. : a mark of identification on the ear of an animal
2. : a distinguishing mark
all the earmark s of poverty
II. transitive verb
Date: 1591
1.
a. : to mark (livestock) with an earmark
b. : to mark in a distinguishing manner
2. : to designate (as funds) for a specific use or owner
money earmark ed for education