earmark

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A mark made or tag attached to the ear of an animal (chiefly a livestock animal), generally to identify or indicate something about the animal, such as ownership, health or gestation status, etc.
2. 2
   A distinguishing or identifying mark or sign; specifically (archaic), a mark of ownership.
3. 3
   An act of designating certain funds to be used for a specific purpose; specifically (US, politics), a designation by the Congress that certain federal funds be appropriated for a specific project.

Verb

1. 1
   To make a mark or attach a tag to the ear of (an animal, chiefly a livestock animal), generally to identify or indicate something about the animal, such as ownership.
2. 2
   To put a distinguishing or identifying mark or sign on (something); to make (something) distinctive or identifiable.
3. 3
   To designate or set aside (someone or something) for a particular purpose; to allocate.
4. 4
   Chiefly followed by for: to designate (certain funds) to be used for a specific purpose.
5. 5
   Chiefly followed by for: to designate (certain funds) to be used for a specific purpose: To designate (part of a pension) to be payable to the holder's former spouse or payment when the pension is paid.
6. 6
   Chiefly followed by for: to designate (certain funds) to be used for a specific purpose: Of the Congress: to designate that certain federal funds be appropriated for a specific project.