Etymology Map
Back to all words

Ermine

3 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means a stoat in its white winter coat; its fur

Where does the word "ermine" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin Armenius mus, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
Armenius mus
Medieval Latin · medieval
"Armenian mouse"
the stoat's winter fur was thought to come from Armenia
2
Stage 2 of 3
ermine
Old French · medieval
"stoat fur"
reserved for royalty and high nobility
3
Stage 3 of 3
ermine
English · 1200s
"white fur"
judges' and peers' robes are still trimmed with ermine
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Ermine’s story begins in Medieval Latin: Armenius mus meant “Armenian mouse.” The stoat's winter fur was thought to come from Armenia. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as ermine. Reserved for royalty and high nobility. It reached English by 1200s as ermine. Judges' and peers' robes are still trimmed with ermine. Today, ermine means a stoat in its white winter coat; its fur.