Background for ermine

ermine

/ˈɜːmɪn/ /ˈɝmɪn/

Illustration ermine - Image 1

noun

A weasel, Mustela erminea, found in northern latitudes; its dark brown fur turns white in winter (apart from the black tip of the tail).

Examples :

"The hunter tracked the ermine through the snowy forest, hoping to find it before its white fur camouflaged it completely. "

animal nature biology

Illustration ermine - Image 1

noun

The white fur of this animal, traditionally seen as a symbol of purity and used for judges' robes.

Examples :

"The judge's robe was trimmed with soft, white ermine, a traditional symbol of justice and integrity. "

animal material wear royal tradition law heraldry culture

Illustration ermine - Image 1

noun

(by extension) The office of a judge.

Examples :

"After years of dedicated service as a lawyer, she finally achieved the ermine, becoming a respected judge. "

Illustration ermine - Image 1

noun

A white field with black spots.

Examples :

"The queen's robe was made of ermine, its white fur dotted with small, black tails. "

animal color appearance

Illustration ermine - Image 1

verb

To clothe with ermine.

Examples :

"While rare in modern use, a more accurate and understandable sentence, reflecting the historical context of "ermine" as a verb, would be: "Historically, only royalty could be ermined, signifying their high status with a coat of white fur." "

royal appearance wear

Illustration ermine - Image 1

adjective

: In blazon, of the colour hermine (white with black spots).

Examples :

"The heraldic shield displayed an ermine pattern, indicating a white field with black spots representing ermine tails. "

heraldry color animal