Definition of Earmark

1. Noun. Identification mark on the ear of a domestic animal.

Generic synonyms: Mark, Marker, Marking

2. Verb. Give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause. "She sets aside time for meditation every day"
Exact synonyms: Allow, Appropriate, Reserve, Set Aside
Generic synonyms: Allot, Assign, Portion
Derivative terms: Allowance, Appropriable, Reserve

3. Noun. A distinctive characteristic or attribute.
Exact synonyms: Hallmark, Stylemark, Trademark
Generic synonyms: Characteristic
Specialized synonyms: Mold, Mould

Definition of Earmark

1. n. A mark on the ear of sheep, oxen, dogs, etc., as by cropping or slitting.

2. v. t. To mark, as sheep, by cropping or slitting the ear.

Definition of Earmark

1. Verb. (transitive) To mark (as of sheep) by slitting the ear. ¹

2. Verb. (transitive by extension) To specify or set aside for a particular purpose. ¹

3. Noun. A mark or deformation of the ear of an animal intended to indicate ownership. ¹

4. Noun. (US politics) The designation of specific projects in appropriations of funding for general programs. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Earmark

1. to designate for a specific use [v -ED, -ING, -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Earmark

early riser
early risers
early seizure
early seral species
early spider orchid
early stage breast cancer
early syphilis
early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise
early wake-robin
early warning radar
early warning system
early winter cress
earlyish
earlywood
earlywoods
earmark (current term)
earmarked
earmarking
earmarks
earmold
earmolds
earmould
earmoulds
earmuff
earmuffed
earmuffs
earn
earn a living
earn one's keep
earned

Literary usage of Earmark

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Principles of Economics by Frank William Taussig (1921)
"The legal conception less important than the economic; the essential earmark is monopoly, — Sec. 2. The spur of profit necessary for improvements in the ..."

2. Cyclopedia of Law and Procedure by William Mack, Howard Pervear Nash (1903)
"or otherwise, as a mere earmark.95 If it was made after the bill or note was delivered it will not be construed as part of it;98 and it is a question of ..."

3. Forestry Quarterly by New York State College of Forestry (1915)
"The earmark, used mostly for cattle, is the most useful mark for quick ... Otherwise, the earmark is not as sure a mark of ownership as the brand, ..."

4. Supplement to Second Edition of Kerr's Cyclopedic California Codes by James Manford Kerr (1922)
"It shall be unlawful to brand and earmark any cattle with a brand and earmark unless said brand and mark shall be recorded and not forfeited under the ..."

5. The Law of Trademarks, Tradenames and Unfair Competition: Including Trade by James Love Hopkins (1917)
"Every person who hath any horses, cattle, hogs, or sheep may have an earmark or brand different from the earmark or brand of all other persons, ..."

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