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basset1

[bas-it]
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noun
  1. one of a breed of hounds having short legs, long body and ears, and usually a black, tan, and white coat.
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Origin of basset1

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

basset2

[bas-it]Geology, Mining.
noun
  1. an outcrop, as of the edges of strata.
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verb (used without object), bas·set·ed, bas·set·ing.
  1. to crop out.
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Origin of basset2

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

basset3

[bas-it]
noun
  1. an 18th-century card game similar to faro.
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Origin of basset3

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. 2018

Related Words

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

Examples from the Web for basset

Historical Examples

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

    Tom Burke Of "Ours", Volume I (of II)

    Charles James Lever

  • "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

basset1

noun
  1. a long low smooth-haired breed of hound with short strong legs and long earsAlso called: basset hound
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Word Origin

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

basset2

verb, noun -sets, -seting or -seted
  1. a rare word for outcrop
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Word Origin

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.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper