Dictionary
ermine
noun er·mine \ˈər-mən\
: a small animal that has a long body and fur that turns white in winter
: the white fur of an ermine
plural ermines
Full Definition of ERMINE
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
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Illustration of ERMINE
Origin of ERMINE
Middle English, from Anglo-French hermin, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German harmo weasel
First Known Use: 12th century
ERMINE Defined for Kids
ermine
noun er·mine \ˈər-mən\
Definition of ERMINE for Kids
: a weasel of northern regions having a winter coat of white fur with a tail tipped in black
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