Legal Definitions - ermine

Definition: Ermine (pronounced "er-min") refers to the fur trimmings made from the coats of white weasels called "ermine" that adorn the official robes of English judges. It can also refer to the station or judgeship of a judge.

• The judge's ermine-trimmed robe added a touch of formality to the courtroom.
• After years of hard work, she finally achieved the ermine and became a respected judge.

The first example illustrates the use of ermine as a fur trimming on a judge's robe. The second example illustrates the use of ermine as a station or judgeship that someone can achieve through hard work and dedication.