rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryermineWhite-furred stoat
noun / adjective

ermine

UR-min/ˈɜːrmɪn/

A stoat whose white winter coat is prized as ceremonial fur.

The crimson mantle has a white ermine collar patterned with black tail tips.

A close view of a ceremonial crimson mantle folded to display its broad white ermine-fur collar, with distinct black tail tips spaced across the white fur.
Etymology
ermineOld Frenchstoat; stoat fur

Old French ermine named both the animal and its fur. The white winter coat, often decorated with black tail tips, was used to line official and ceremonial garments.

In context

Katelyn Kearns0:02
today we are making an ermine muff
An Ermine Pelerine and Muff || A Historical Sewing Vlog

More examples

  • Two ermines dart between the rocks beside the snowy field.
  • The queen's ceremonial robe is trimmed with ermine.
  • The old portrait shows a judge wearing an ermine collar.

Forms

ermine · ermines

Similar words

stoat
Names the same animal regardless of its seasonal coat.