Spaniel

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈspænjÉ™l/
• Rhymes: -ænjÉ™l

Origin

From Old French espaigneul (modern French épagneul), from Latin Hispāniolus ("Spanish"), from Hispānia ("Spain").

Full definition of spaniel

Noun

1. Any of various small 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.

Derived terms

• cocker spaniel
• field spaniel
• King Charles spaniel
• springer spaniel

Verb

1. To follow loyally or obsequiously, like a spaniel.
• 1606: Shakespeare, William, The Tragedy of Antony and CleopatraAntony: Do we shake hands.—All come to this!—The hearts
  That spaniel'd me at heels, to whom I gave
  Their wishes, do discandy, melt their sweets

Anagrams

• alpines
• pineals