n. 1. A mark on the ear of sheep, oxen, dogs, etc., as by cropping or slitting. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A mark for identification; a distinguishing mark. [ 1913 Webster ]

Money is said to have no earmark. Wharton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Flying, he [ a slave ] should be described by the rounding of his head, and his earmark. Robynson (More's Utopia). [ 1913 Webster ]

A set of intellectual ideas . . . have earmarks upon them, no tokens of a particular proprietor. Burrow. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Earmarked p. pr. & vb. n. Earmarking. ] 1. To mark, as sheep, by cropping or slitting the ear. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To designate or reserve for a specific purpose; as, the alumni fund was earmarked for dormitory construction. [ PJC ]