Earmark /(ēr"märk`)/

1. A mark on the ear of sheep, oxen, dogs, etc., as by cropping or slitting.
2. A mark for identification; a distinguishing mark.

   Money is said to have no earmark.

   Flying, he [a slave] should be described by the rounding of his head, and his earmark.

   A set of intellectual ideas . . . have earmarks upon them, no tokens of a particular proprietor.

imp. & p. p. Earmarked; p. pr. & vb. n. Earmarking

1. To mark, as sheep, by cropping or slitting the ear.
2. To designate or reserve for a specific purpose; as, the alumni fund was earmarked for dormitory construction.