Ermine
in zoölogy, the ermine weasel, a small mammal. The body in summer is reddish-brown above and white beneath, and in winter is wholly white, except the extremity of the tail, which all the year round is black. It is found in the arctic and temperate parts of Europe, becoming more abundant as one travels N. It occurs also in the corresponding parts of North America, ranging as far S. as the middle of the United States. It frequents stony places and thickets, and active, fierce and blood-thirsty. It is called also the stoat.
It is obtained from Russia in Europe, Norway, Siberia, Lapland, and also, though to a less extent than formerly, in North America. The word is used figuratively to designate the office, position, or dignity of a judge (from his state robe being ornamented or bordered with ermine). In heraldry it designates one of the furs, represented by black ERNST spots of a particular shape on a white ground.