English Explanatory Dictionary

spaniel

English dictionary entry

Meanings

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. A cringing, fawning person.
verb
  1. To follow loyally or obsequiously, like a spaniel.

Pronunciation

/ˈspænjəl/ /ˈspænəl/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-spaniel.wav

Word forms

spaniel spaniels spanieling spanielling spanieled spanielled

Etymology

From Middle English spaynol, from Old French espaigneul (modern French épagneul), from Old Occitan espaignol, from Vulgar Latin *Hispāniolus (“Spanish”), from Hispānia (“Spain”).

Derived words

Boykin Spaniel Clumber spaniel cocker spaniel English toy spaniel field spaniel German Spaniel Irish water spaniel King Charles spaniel Norfolk spaniel spanieless spanielize spaniellike spanielship spoodle springer spaniel Sussex spaniel water spaniel
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