hound

hound · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A dog of a breed used for hunting, especially one able to track by scent.

  2. 2.

    To pursue or chase relentlessly; to harass.

  3. 3.

    (Informal) Any dog.

  4. 4.

    A person who pursues something enthusiastically.

Forms

plural: hounds

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    hound someone out — To force someone to leave through persistent harassment
  • •
    run with the hare and hunt with the hounds — To try to please both sides
  • •
    the hounds of hell — Fearsome pursuers; relentless forces

Related words

See also: bloodhound, chase, dog, hunting
Synonyms: bloodhound, dog, hunting dog

Etymology

From Old English hund ("dog"), from Proto-Germanic hundaz. Cognate with German Hund and Dutch hond. Originally the general word for "dog" before being specialized to hunting dogs.