Ermine Violin (glossary term)
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You may be looking for the zine The Ermine Violin.
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| See also: | Dunsel Box |
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An 'ermine violin' is fannish slang for a pleasant but useless item. It originated in an episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, "The Trouble with Tribbles". Written by David Gerrold, "Tribbles" is probably one of the best-known and loved original Star Trek episodes.
Spock. They remind me of the lilies of the field. "They toil not, neither do they spin." But they seem to eat a great deal. I see no practical use for them.
McCoy. Does everything have to have a practical use for you? They're nice, soft, and furry, and they make a pleasant sound.
Spock. So would an ermine violin, but I see no advantage in having one.