marten

1. (Zoöl.) 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 zoölogists consider only a variety of the Russian sable.
2. The fur of the marten, used for hats, muffs, etc.