n. (pl. same or ermines)
1. the stoat, esp. when in its white winter fur.
2 its white fur, used as trimming for the robes of judges, peers, etc.
3 Heraldry a white fur marked with black spots.
Derivatives:
ermined adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF (h)ermine prob. f. med.L (mus) Armenius Armenian (mouse)