rat terrier en · NOUN
Etymology
Named for its talent and avidity for flushing and catching rats. Useful to hunters of various game, useful to farms for pest control, and (like farm cats) inexpensive to keep because it can feed itself via its own hunting pasttime.
Meanings
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A dog breed, or set of breeds, with a background as a farm dog and hunting companion.
In a few moments he returned and introduced an individual of about his own age, who seemed to be a cross between a rat terrier and a bull-dog, so exactly blended in his countenance and general appearance were the evidences of cunningness, activity and ferocious strength.
1861, E. J. Guerin, Mountain Charley, page 19:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| rat terriers | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Hypernyms
terrier · canid · ratter · dog · organism · earth dog · animal · rat dog · creature · mammal