Lexic.us

Definition of Mastiff

1. Noun. An old breed of powerful deep-chested smooth-coated dog used chiefly as a watchdog and guard dog.

Definition of Mastiff

1. n. A breed of large dogs noted for strength and courage. There are various strains, differing in form and color, and characteristic of different countries.

Definition of Mastiff

1. Noun. One of several large breeds of dog (such as bulldogs and Saint Bernards), often used as guard dogs ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Mastiff

1. a large, short-haired dog [n -S]

Medical Definition of Mastiff

1. Origin: Mastives is irregular and unusual] [Prob. Fr. Prov. E. Masty, adj, large, n, a great dog, prob. Fr. Mast fruit, and hence, lit, fattened with mast. There is perh. Confusion with OF. Mestif mongrel; cf. Also F. Matin mastiff, OF. Mastin. A breed of large dogs noted for strength and courage. There are various strains, differing in form and colour, and characteristic of different countries. Mastiff bat, any bat of the genus Molossus; so called because the face somewhat resembles that of a mastiff. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Mastiff

Literary usage of Mastiff

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Works of the English Poets, from Chaucer to Cowper: Including the Series by Samuel Johnson (1810)
"TH» COR AND THE mastiff. A SNEAKING Cur, the master's spy, Rewarded for his ... Judge not unheard," the mastiff cry'd, " But weigh the cause of either side. ..."

2. The American Cyclopaedia: A Popular Dictionary of General Knowledge by George Ripley, Charles Anderson Dana (1883)
"The mastiff form became known to the Greeks about the time of the Macedonian conquest, ... The mastiff of Thibet is the largest and finest of the breed, ..."

3. The Connoisseur by George Colman, B. Thornton (1904)
"No. iv. makes us acquainted with the mastiff, which, to follow the text, " are of a churlish nature and ugly shape." They were usually used for wild boar ..."

4. A Practical and Elementary Abridgment of the Cases Argued and Determined in by Charles Petersdorff, Elisha Hammond (1829)
"On demurrer to this plea, it was argued that it was untenable, as wise sepa- being servant to the said CB did kill the said mastiff, to prevent further of ..."

5. The Complete Dog Book by William A. Bruette (1922)
"GUARD DOGS THE mastiff THE mastiff is one of the oldest and most typical of ... However this may be, there is no question but what the mastiff has been ..."

6. Fables and Essay by John Bryan (1895)
"THE CARRION-DOG AND THE mastiff, A dog who was very fond of carrion met ... No; I don't smell it, and I wouldn't follow it up if I did," said the mastiff. ..."

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