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basset

1
[bas-it]
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noun

one of a breed of hounds having short legs, long body and ears, and usually a black, tan, and white coat.

Origin of basset

1
1610–20; < French: noun use of adj. basset of low stature (bass- low (see base2) + -et attenuating suffix; see -et)
Also called basset hound.

basset

2
[bas-it]Geology, Mining.

noun

an outcrop, as of the edges of strata.

verb (used without object), bas·set·ed, bas·set·ing.

to crop out.

Origin of basset

2
1680–90; apparently < obsolete French basset low stool, noun use of adj. basset. See basset1

basset

3
[bas-it]

noun

an 18th-century card game similar to faro.

Origin of basset

3
1635–45; < French bassette < Italian bassetta, noun use of feminine of bassetto somewhat low; so called because the game is played with low cards. See basset1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for basset

beagle, mongrel, canine, mutt, afghan, pointer, poodle, dachshund, pooch, airedale, retriever, akita, bowwow

Examples from the Web for basset

Historical Examples of basset

  • "Don't let him talk so much," said Basset, in a whisper, to the doctor.

  • "There are many of your opinion on that head," said Basset, with a savage grin.

  • “I would it were,” said Basset, folding his arms beneath his head.

    Clare Avery

    Emily Sarah Holt

  • “And ours were uncommon men—there is all the difference,” retorted Basset.

    Clare Avery

    Emily Sarah Holt

  • O Mistress Basset, could you not compass the same for Blanche?

    Clare Avery

    Emily Sarah Holt

British Dictionary definitions for basset

basset

1

noun

a long low smooth-haired breed of hound with short strong legs and long earsAlso called: basset hound

Word Origin for basset

C17: from French, from basset short, from bas low; see base ²

basset

2

verb, noun -sets, -seting or -seted

a rare word for outcrop

Word Origin for basset

C17: perhaps from French: low stool, see basset 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for basset
n.

type of short-legged dog, 1610s, from French basset, from Old French bas "low" (see base (adj.)) + diminutive suffix.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper