The Natural History of Weasels & Stoats , by C.King says that the Erimne is
the Fur trades name for what in the USA we call the Short tailed Weasel and
in the UK is termed the Stoat.  It used to describe the winter color of the
coat, that was used by the nobility of Europe, and the American Indians to
decorate there clothing and headgear.
[Posted in FML issue 1472]