Main Entry: er·mine

Pronunciation: \ˈər-mən\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural ermines

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French hermin, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German harmo weasel

Date: 12th century

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

[ermine illustration]