water spaniel

noun

1. either of two breeds of spaniels, used for retrieving waterfowl.

water spaniel

noun

1. See Irish water spaniel
   either of two large curly-coated breeds of spaniel (the Irish and the American), which are used for hunting waterfowl See also Irish water spaniel

Word History and Origins

Origin of water spaniel¹

First recorded in 1560–70

Example Sentences

Inside of three minutes Bob White went in from the headland with a splash, and swam toward the floating boat like a water spaniel.

From Project Gutenberg

He is half setter and half water-spaniel; pure on both sides.

From Project Gutenberg

A young water spaniel might, with advantage, occasionally be indulged with a duck-hunt in warm weather.

From Project Gutenberg

I have hunted with them and found this breed of dog away ahead of the water spaniel, collie, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

M. des R—— had a water spaniel, which had been brought up by him, and had never quitted him.

From Project Gutenberg