ermita
.
Searchable Lemmata: ermita (L).
Alternate Forms: eremitam, heremita. Unique.
Definitions and Defining Citations:
1(n.)
Raw Material;
ermine or ermine fur.(circa 1457)
1. in Britannia Minori ... mustelam ... incole ... capiunt quam eremitam vocant ... [dux Britannie] portat pro armis suis unum scutum de pellibus eremarum earumque caudis nigris consutis
[DMLBS UPTON (166-7) ante 1457]
Sex: N/A Ceremonial: No
Body Parts: N/A.
Etymological Evidence:
Definite, a specialized (or erroneous) use of Latin (h)eremita 'hermit' to refer to the stoat (see ermine). There was some confusion between the words in French, and interference from heremita has been proposed as the source of initial h- on French 'hermine' by etymologists connecting that word with Armenia.
WF:
Etym Cog:
References:
