I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: Middle English ere mark, from ere ear + mark — more at ear , mark I
1. : a mark of identification (as a cropping or slitting) on the ear especially of a domestic animal
2. : a distinguishing or a characteristic mark : an indicative sign
all the earmarks of poverty
a book with the earmarks of a doctoral dissertation
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- under earmark
II. transitive verb
1.
a. : to mark (as livestock) with an earmark
b. : to mark (something) in a distinguishing manner especially as one's property
dissipation earmarks a man
Satan earmarks his own
2.
a. : to designate or set aside (funds) for a specific use or owner
the part of income that is earmarked for financing expansion
a gift earmarked for a new dormitory
— used especially of gold held by one central bank for and as the property of another central bank or government
b. : to designate, hold, or recognize as the property of another
the postmastership is traditionally earmarked for a leading politician
goods earmarked for future delivery