Alsatian

[ al-sey-shuhn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to Alsace or its inhabitants.
2. of or relating to Alsatia.

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Alsace.
2. a resident or native of Alsatia.
3. Also called Alsatian dog. Chiefly British. German shepherd.

Alsatian

/ ælˈseɪʃən /

noun

1. Officially calledGerman shepherdGerman shepherd dog a large wolflike breed of dog often used as a guard or guide dog and by the police
2. a native or inhabitant of Alsace
3. (in the 17th century) a criminal or debtor who took refuge in the Whitefriars area of London

adjective

1. of or relating to Alsace or its inhabitants

Other Words From

• an·ti-Al·sa·tian adjective noun
• pro-Al·sa·tian adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Alsatian¹

First recorded in 1685–95; from Medieval Latin Alsati(a) Alsace + -an

Example Sentences

The hotel-keeper, a stout Alsatian, was a talkative person, and told Walter nearly all he wished to know.

From Project Gutenberg

This comes of Alsatian frolics—God keep us with his grace, and not give us over to our own devices!

From Project Gutenberg

The orderly returned with Weber, the two coming from one of the narrow aisles, and John rose impulsively to meet the Alsatian.

From Project Gutenberg

The Alsatian shook hands with John and disappeared in the cut which led a long distance from the front.

From Project Gutenberg

He lifted the candle high above his head and looked around the lobby, but there was no sign of the Alsatian.

From Project Gutenberg