Ermine
/ˈɜːr.mɪn/noun
A small stoat with white winter fur and a black-tipped tail, or the fur itself.
Did you know?In medieval heraldry, ermine fur symbolized sovereignty and purity, while its distinctive black tail spots were stylized into a formal pattern worn by monarchs and judges.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Latin
Latin
Armenius
“Armenian; relating to Armenia”
Late Antiquity / Medieval Latin
Latin
ermineus
“Of or associated with ermine; possibly connected with Armenia”
12th–13th Century
Old French
ermine / hermine
“The stoat or its valuable white winter fur”
14th Century
Middle English
ermine
“The animal and its fur, especially in luxury clothing”
Modern English
English
ermine
“A stoat in its white winter coat, or the fur and heraldic pattern derived from it”