vair

[ vair ]

noun

1. a fur much used for lining and trimming garments in the 13th and 14th centuries, generally assumed to have been that of a variety of squirrel with a gray back and white belly. Compare miniver ( def 1 ).
2. Heraldry. a fur represented by a pattern of escutcheon- or bell-shaped figures, each outlining the adjacent sides of those beside it so that the figures alternate vertically and horizontally both in position and in tinctures, of which argent and azure are common.

vair

/ vɛə /

noun

1. a fur, probably Russian squirrel, used to trim robes in the Middle Ages
2. one of the two principal furs used on heraldic shields, conventionally represented by white and blue skins in alternate lines Compare ermine

Word History and Origins

Origin of vair¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Old French < Latin varium something particolored; various

Word History and Origins

Origin of vair¹

C13: from Old French: of more than one colour, from Latin varius variegated, various

Example Sentences

“Ah, das is goot—vair goot,” said Meyer, opening his huge mouth very wide to let out a cloud of smoke and a quiet laugh.

From Project Gutenberg

Napoleon 'e coaled op 'is laift vink, zey deploy in line, vair you see my shdeek—ha, ze shentelman is gone avay vonce more!

From Project Gutenberg

His son reverted to the plain shield of vair, or, and gules.

From Project Gutenberg

The connection with vair is much clearer in the latter than in the former.

From Project Gutenberg

Whether the slipper were of verre or of vair is a matter of no moment.

From Project Gutenberg