ear·mark 30780

ear·mark (îrmärk)
n.
1. An identifying feature or characteristic: a novel with all the earmarks of success.
2. An identifying mark on the ear of a domestic animal.
tr.v. ear·marked, ear·mark·ing, ear·marks
1. To reserve or set aside for a particular purpose. See Synonyms at allocate.
2. To mark in an identifying or distinctive way.
3. To mark the ear of (a domestic animal) for identification.