ermine

er·mine

noun \ˈər-mən\

plural ermines

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

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

Rhymes with ERMINE

german, German, germen, Herman, sermon, vermin