/ear"mahrk'/ , n.
1. any identifying or distinguishing mark or characteristic: The mayor's statement had all the earmarks of dirty politics.
2. a mark of identification made on the ear of an animal to show ownership.
v.t.
3. to set aside for a specific purpose, use, recipient, etc.: to earmark goods for export.
4. to mark with an earmark.
[ 1515-25; EAR 1 + MARK 1 ]