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Spaniel
//ˈspænjəl// noun, verb
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Any of various small to medium-sized breeds of gun dog having a broad muzzle, long, wavy fur and long ears that hang at the side of the head, bred for flushing and retrieving game.
- 2 any of several breeds of small to medium-sized gun dogs with a long silky coat and long frilled ears wordnet
- 3 A cringing, fawning person.
"Pro[theus].[…]Yet (Spaniel-like) the more ſhe ſpurnes my loue, / The more it growes, and fawneth on her ſtill;"
Verb
- 1 To follow loyally or obsequiously, like a spaniel. intransitive
"Antony: Do we shake hands.—All come to this!—The hearts / That spaniel'd me at heels, to whom I gave / Their wishes, do discandy, melt their sweets"
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English spaynol, from Old French espaigneul (modern French épagneul), from Old Occitan espaignol, from Vulgar Latin *Hispāniolus (“Spanish”), from Hispānia (“Spain”).
Etymology 2
From Middle English spaynol, from Old French espaigneul (modern French épagneul), from Old Occitan espaignol, from Vulgar Latin *Hispāniolus (“Spanish”), from Hispānia (“Spain”).
See also for "spaniel"
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