ermine

English

/ˈɜːmɪn/, /ˈɝmɪn/

noun
Definitions
  • A weasel, Mustela erminea, found in northern latitudes; its dark brown fur turns white in winter (apart from the black tip of the tail).
  • The white fur of this animal, traditionally seen as a symbol of purity and used for judges' robes.
  • (by extension) The office of a judge.
  • (tincture) A white field with black spots.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English ermine derived from Old French ermin derived from Proto-Germanic *harmǭ derived from Proto-Indo-European *ḱormō derived from Latin mūs Armenius.

Origin

Latin

mūs Armenius

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms