GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Marten (märˈtĕn), n. (Zool.) A bird. See Martin.
   
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2.       
   marten, n. [From older martern, marter, martre, F. martre, marte, LL. martures (pl.), fr. L. martes; akin to AS. mearð, meard, G. marder, OHG. mardar, Icel. mörðr.  Cf. Foumart.]
   1. (Zool.) Any one of several fur-bearing carnivores of the genus Martes (formerly Mustela), closely allied to the sable.  Among the more important species are the European beech marten or stone marten (Martes foina); the pine marten (Martes martes); and the American marten, or sable (Martes Americana), which some Zoologists consider only a variety of the Russian sable.
   
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   2. The fur of the marten, used for hats, muffs, etc.
   
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3.       
   Martin, n. [F. martin, from the proper name Martin.  Cf. Martlet.] (Zool.) One of several species of swallows, usually having the tail less deeply forked than the tail of the common swallows. [Written also marten.]
   
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   ☞ The American purple martin, or bee martin (Progne subis or Progne purpurea), and the European house martin, or window martin (Hirundo urbica or Chelidon urbica), are the best known species.
   
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   Bank martin. (a) The bank swallow. See under Bank. (b) The fairy martin. See under Fairy. -- Bee martin. (a) The purple martin. (b) The kingbird. -- Sand martin, the bank swallow.
   
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