identification mark on the ear of a domestic animal

a distinctive characteristic or attribute

An earmark is a distinctive mark applied to the ear of each animal in a herd. It is now often used with a brand, but in the past at some points it was the only identifying mark on some herds. It is a small, unique cut made on one or both ears.

Method of marking cattle by cropping their ears in distinctive patterns. Usually used along with a brand. The earmark patterns are also registered with the brand. Earmark on the cow at the right is read as an "under half slope on the left ear." (as viewed by the reader) Earmarks can often be seen quicker than a brand (because the cow usually looks at you) and are a good aid in recognition and when sorting cattle. Another ear mark on the dark calves to the right: swallow fork in the right ear.

give or assign a share of money or time to a particular person or cause; "I will earmark this money for your research"

a decision by the Congress to designate specific amounts of money to be appropriated under a particular bill

a line item in a bill targeting money for a specific purpose, usually in a state or city, according to the definition used by the group Citizens Against Government Waste

a mandatory linkage between a specific tax and a specific public expenditure

an unconstitutional and illegal gimmick for diverting taxpayers' federal tax dollars to political-plum state and local projects or to organizations, foundations, non-profits, researchers, and so on in a Congress-member's home state

a pleasant way of saying pork-barrel funding

a special request outside the normal funding process

To set aside funds for a specific purpose, use, or recipient. Generally speaking, virtually every appropriation is earmarked, and so are certain revenue sources credited to trust funds. In common usage, however, the term is often applied as an epithet for funds set aside for such purposes as research projects, demonstration projects, parks, laboratories, academic grants, and contracts in particular congressional districts or states or for certain specified universities or other organizations.

Earmark Blocking the securities from being used for other purposes.

When funds have been earmarked, it means that they have been dedicated to a specific program or purpose. In some cases, a particular stream of revenue is earmarked for a specific purpose. For instance, revenues resulting from taxes on fuel are frequently dedicated to transportation-related expenses, such as road construction or mass-transit subsidies.