pariah dog

noun

1
: a feral or stray dog that typically lives near human settlements
especially : a usually medium-sized, primitive dog (as of Africa, India, or southeastern Asia) that is often considered part of a naturally selected ancient breed, is characterized by a wedge-shaped head, pointed muzzle, erect ears, long curved tail, and usually a short coat, and typically scavenges for food
2
: any of a breed of dogs (such as the Canaan dog) that have been selectively bred from a pariah dog

Word History

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pariah dog was in 1780

Dictionary Entries Near pariah dog

Cite this Entry

“Pariah dog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pariah%20dog. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!