earmark

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The noun is derived from ear + mark. The verb is derived from the noun.

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. Some mark them [sheep] vvith Raddle and make Ear-marks.
figuratively A distinguishing or identifying mark or sign; specifically (archaic), a mark of ownership. [H]e ſhoulde be dyſcryued by hys rounding and his eare marke: […]
figuratively An act of designating certain funds to be used for a specific purpose.
US, figuratively Specifically, a designation by the Congress that certain federal funds be appropriated for a specific project.

transitive 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.
figuratively, transitive To put a distinguishing or identifying mark or sign on (something); to make (something) distinctive or identifiable.
figuratively, transitive To designate or set aside (someone or something) for a particular purpose; to allocate. In barely a decade, the War on Drugs went from being a political slogan to an actual war. Now that police departments were suddenly flush with cash and military equipment earmarked for the drug war, they needed to make use of their new resources.
figuratively, transitive Chiefly followed by for: to designate (certain funds) to be used for a specific purpose. You can donate to the organization as a whole, or you can earmark your contribution for a particular project.
UK, figuratively, transitive To designate (part of a pension) to be payable to the holder's former spouse or payment when the pension is paid.
US, figuratively, transitive Of the Congress: to designate that certain federal funds be appropriated for a specific project.