Dictionary

dog town en · NOUN

Etymology

(theatrical): See try it on the dog.

Meanings

1. A community of prairie dogs.
   • This ferret feeds on prairie dogs and lives in their abandoned burrows; although it will feed on other small prey, it never thrives away from the dogtowns. 2004, Nora Bowers, Rick Bowers, Kenn Kaufmann, Mammals of North America, page 118:
2. (colloquial) A town at which a play is performed for a less important audience to gauge the likelihood of general success.
   • And speaking of Mr. Sloan, I note that he believes Chicago is taking New Haven's place as a dog-town. 1923, The Drama, volumes 14-15, page 91:
   • He's rehearsing his first-born for a dog-town opening next week. 1917, W. J. Thorold, Arthur Hornblow, Perriton Maxwell, Theatre Magazine, volume 25, page 42:

Forms