ERMINE


Meaning of ERMINE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈər-mən ]

noun

( plural ermines )

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French hermin, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German harmo weasel

Date: 12th century

1. or plural ermine

a. : any of several weasels whose coats become white in winter usually with black on the tip of the tail ; especially : a short-tailed weasel ( Mustela erminea ) of the forests and tundra of Eurasia and North America

b. : the white fur of the ermine

2. : a rank or office whose ceremonial or official robe is ornamented with ermine

[

ermine 1a: winter coat

]

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.