Her. Also 6 ermynes, ermins, 7 ermyness. [In some way connected with ERMINE; possibly a. OF. herminès, pl. of herminet, dim. of hermine.] A ‘fur’ forming the reverse of ERMINE, i.e., with white ‘spots’ on a black ground.
1562. Leigh, Armorie (last page), Ermines, Black powdred whight.
1572. Bossewell, Armorie, II. 129 b. He beareth Or, a Cheuron Checkey Ermin & Ermins.
1677. Plot, Oxfordsh., 179. I have seen the skins of black Grey-hounds powdered with white, or made Ermyness.
1751. Chambers, Cycl., Ermines is used by some English writers for the reverse of ermine, i. e. for white spots on a black field.
1864. Boutell, Heraldry Hist. & Pop., iv. (ed. 3), 20.
