Dog

Dog - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

Frequently mentioned both in the Old and New Testaments. Dogs were used by the Hebrews as a watch for their houses (Isa. 56:10), and for guarding their flocks (Job 30:1). There were also then as now troops of semi-wild dogs that wandered about devouring dead bodies and the offal of the streets (1 Kings 14:11; 16:4; 21:19, 23; 22:38; Ps. 59:6, 14).

As the dog was an unclean animal, the terms "dog," "dog's head," "dead dog," were used as terms of reproach or of humiliation (1 Sam. 24:14; 2 Sam. 3:8; 9:8; 16:9). Paul calls false apostles "dogs" (Phil. 3:2). Those who are shut out of the kingdom of heaven are also so designated (Rev. 22:15). Persecutors are called "dogs" (Ps. 22:16). Hazael's words, "Thy servant which is but a dog" (2 Kings 8:13), are spoken in mock humility=impossible that one so contemptible as he should attain to such power.

Dog - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

DOG, n.

1. A species of quadrupeds, belonging to the genus Canis, of many varieties, as the mastiff, the hound, the spaniel, the shepherds dog, the terrier, the harrier, the bloodhound, _c.

2. It is used for male, when applied to several other animals; as a dog-fox; a dog-otter; dog-ape. It is prefixed to other words, denoting what is mean, degenerate or worthless; as dog-rose.

3. An andiron, so named from the figure of a dogs head on the top.

4. A term of reproach or contempt given to a man.

5. A constellation called Sirius or Canicula. [See Dog-day.]

6. An iron hook or bar with a sharp fang, used by seamen.

7. An iron used by sawyers to fasten a log of timber in a saw-pit.

8. A gay young man; a buck. [Not in use.]

To give or throw to the dogs, is to throw away, as useless.

To go to the dogs, is to be ruined.

DOG, v.t. To hunt; to follow insidiously or indefatigably; to follow close; to urge; to worry with importunity.

I have been pursued, dogged and and way-laid.