Beagle

Pronunciation

• IPA: biːɡəɫ
• Rhymes: -iːɡəl

Origin

From Middle English begle. Origin uncertain, possibly from Middle French beegueule, from beer (variation of bayer) + gueule. The French bigle is from the English.

Full definition of beagle

Noun

1. A small short-legged smooth-coated hound, often used for hunting hares. Often tri-coloured, its friendly disposition makes it suitable as a family pet.
2. A person who snoops on others; a detective.
• 2002, Susan Isaacs, Long Time No See, page 243...whereas burying a body in the wooded area beyond the backyard was the quickest way to make a Nassau County Police Department beagle look good.

Verb

1. To hunt with beagles.