miniver

or min·e·ver

[ min-uh-ver ]

/ ˈmɪn ə vər /

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noun

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

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

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Origin of miniver

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

Words nearby miniver

minitrack, minium, Mini-Vac, minivacuum, minivan, miniver, minivet, mink, minke, minke whale, Minkowski

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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.
The Book of Humorous Verse|Various
Miniver loved the days of oldWhen swords were bright and steeds were prancing; The vision of a warrior boldWould set him dancing.
The Book of Humorous Verse|Various

"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

white fur, used in ceremonial costumes

Word Origin for miniver

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