Ermine

Mink-lined shoes
MFA# 97.155

Mink cape
MFA# 62.507

Description

The fur trade name for the winter white coat of a stoat (Mustela erminea). Weasels have reddish brown fur in the summer and a thick, white coat in winter with the exception of the tip of the tail which remains black. Found primarily in Eurasia and North America, white ermine fur was highly valuable. During the 14th century in England, only nobility were allowed to wear ermine.

Synonyms and Related Terms

stoat (Mustela erminea); short-tailed weasel; lækat (Dan.); Hermelin (Deut., Sven.); armiño (Esp.); hermine (Fr.); hermelijn (Ned.); gronostaj(Pol.); arminho (Port.);