Word of the DaySunday, June 27, 1999
bandog
\BAN-dog\ , noun:1.
A mastiff or other large and fierce dog, usually kept chained or tied up.
Quotes:
The keeper entered leading his bandog, a large bloodhound, tied in a leam, or band, from which he takes his name.
-- Sir W. Scott,
As fierce as a bandog that has newly broke his chain.'
-- Sir George Etherege, The Comical Revenge; or, Love in a Tub
He was usually spoken of as the bandog of Burgundy, or the Alsatian mastiff.
-- Scott,
Origin:
From Middle English bandogge, from band + dogge (dog).
