spaniel

views updated May 21 2018

span·iel / ˈspanyəl/ • n. a dog of a breed with a long silky coat and drooping ears. ∎  used in similes and metaphors as a symbol of devotion or obsequiousness: I followed my uncles around as faithfully as any spaniel.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

spaniel

views updated May 14 2018

spaniel Any of several breeds of sporting dogs that may be trained to locate and flush game, and sometimes to retrieve on command. Land spaniels include the springer, cocker, and toy breeds. Water spaniels are usually retrievers.

World Encyclopedia

spaniel

views updated May 18 2018

spaniel XIV (spaynel). Aphetic — OF. espaigneul (mod. épagneul) :- Rom. *spāniōlūs, for Hispāniōlus Spanish, f. Hispānia Spain, *see prec
.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

American water spaniel

All Sources -
Updated Aug 24 2016 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic

You Might Also Like