bird dog

¹

noun

1. one of any of various breeds of dogs trained to hunt or retrieve birds.

2. Informal.,  a person hired to locate special items or people, especially a talent scout who seeks out promising athletes.

3. Slang.,  a person who steals another person's date.

bird-dog

²

[burd-dawg, -dog]

verb (used with object)

Informal.

bird-dogged, bird-dogging 

1. to follow, watch carefully, or investigate.

2. to seek out.

verb (used without object)

bird-dogged, bird-dogging 

1. Informal.,  to follow or watch carefully.

2. Slang.,  to steal or attempt to steal another person's date.

bird dog

noun

1. hunting a dog used or trained to retrieve game birds after they are shot

verb

1. informal,  to control closely with unceasing vigilance

Word History and Origins

Origin of bird dog¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Origin of bird dog²

v. use of bird dog