miniver

or min·e·ver

[ min-uh-ver ]

noun
  1. (in the Middle Ages) a fur of white or spotted white and gray used for linings and trimmings.: Compare vair (def. 1).

  2. any white fur, particularly that of the ermine, used especially on robes of state.

Origin of miniver

1
1250–1300; Middle English meniver<Middle French menu vair small vair; see menu

Words Nearby miniver

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use miniver in a sentence

  • The gown is of a reddish murrey colour, with ermine or miniver lining to skirt and sleeves, the under sleeves being blue.

    Chaucer for Children | Mrs. H. R. Haweis
  • Henry ordered for her 1600 powderings 19 from his own store—that is, the little black tails which turn miniver into ermine.

    Mary Tudor, Queen of France | Mary Croom Brown
  • miniver cursed the commonplace,And eyed a khaki suit with loathing; He missed the mediæval graceOf iron clothing.

  • miniver loved the days of oldWhen swords were bright and steeds were prancing; The vision of a warrior boldWould set him dancing.

  • "Could not they fetch a few ermine and miniver skins while they are at it," suggested Priscilla.

    Standish of Standish | Jane G. Austin

British Dictionary definitions for miniver

miniver

/ (ˈmɪnɪvə) /


noun
  1. white fur, used in ceremonial costumes

Origin of miniver

1
C13: from Old French menu vair, from menu small + vair variegated fur, vair

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012