noun pl. dogs or dog

1. 1. any of a large and varied group of domesticated canines (Canis familiaris) often kept as a house pet or used for hunting, guarding people or property, etc.
   2. any of various wild canines
2. the male of a canine
3. a mean, contemptible fellow
4. a prairie dog, dogfish, or other animal thought to resemble a dog

5. Etymology: < its orig. shape: cf. Fr chenet

   an andiron; firedog
6. Informal a boy or man lucky dog
7. ☆ Slang feet
8. hot dog (sense )
9. Slang
   1. an unattractive or unpopular person
   2. ☆ an unsatisfactory thing or unsuccessful venture
10. Mech. any of several devices for holding or grappling
11. Meteorol.
    1. a parhelion; sundog
    2. a fogdog

Etymology: ME, generalized in sense < late, rare OE docga, dogga (usual hund: see hound) < ?

adjective

transitive verb dogged, dogging dog′·ging

1. to follow, hunt, or track down doggedly
2. ☆ to hold or secure with a mechanical dog

adverb