Earmark vs. Hallmark — What's the Difference?

An identifying feature or characteristic

A hallmark is an official mark or series of marks struck on items made of metal, mostly to certify the content of noble metals—such as platinum, gold, silver and in some nations, palladium. In a more general sense, the term hallmark can also be used to refer to any distinguishing mark.

An identifying mark on the ear of a domestic animal.

A mark stamped on articles of gold, silver, or platinum by the British assay offices, certifying their standard of purity.

An item or provision in a legislative bill that allots money for a project or institution in a specific locale, usually written or sponsored by a representative from that area.

Stamp with a hallmark

To reserve or designate for a particular purpose.

A mark indicating quality or excellence.

To mark the ear of (a domestic animal) for identification.

A mark used in Great Britain to stamp gold, silver, and platinum articles that meet established standards of purity.

To specify or allocate (funds) to be spent in a legislative earmark.

Any of various authorized marks stamped on gold, silver, and platinum articles to indicate where, when, or by whom they were made or assayed.

(transitive) To mark (sheep or other animals) by slitting the ear.

A conspicuous feature or characteristic

To specify or set aside for a particular purpose, to allocate.

To stamp (gold and silver articles) with a mark indicating purity.

To designate part of a pension to be payable to the holder's former spouse or partner at its time of payment.

To be a conspicuous feature or characteristic of

A mark or deformation of the ear of an animal, intended to indicate ownership.

A distinguishing characteristic.

The designation of specific projects in appropriations of funding for general programs.

An official marking made by a trusted party, usually an assay office, on items made of precious metals.

A mark for identification; a distinguishing mark.

To provide or stamp with a hallmark.

A mark on the ear of sheep, oxen, dogs, etc., as by cropping or slitting.

A distinctive characteristic or attribute

A mark for identification; a distinguishing mark.

A mark on an article of trade to indicate its origin and authenticity

To mark, as sheep, by cropping or slitting the ear.

To designate or reserve for a specific purpose; as, the alumni fund was earmarked for dormitory construction.

Identification mark on the ear of a domestic animal

A distinctive characteristic or attribute

Give or assign a share of money or time to a particular person or cause;