bloodhound

[bluhd-hound]

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noun

one of a breed of medium- to large-sized dogs, usually having a black-and-tan coat, very long ears, loose skin, and an acute sense of smell: used chiefly for following human scents.

a person who is a steadfast pursuer.

Nearby words

Origin of bloodhound

First recorded in 1300–50, bloodhound is from the Middle English word blod-hound. See blood, hound¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for bloodhound

They had a scent keener than a bloodhound when anything was going to be done to affect slavery.
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 9 (of 12)|Robert G. Ingersoll
The man moved backwards and stepped on the bloodhound's toe, and the bloodhound began to bay like anything.
Punch or the London Charivari, Vol. 148, January 27, 1915|Various
On they came, and we could see El Zeres riding first, with the bloodhound trotting along by the side of his horse.
Out on the Pampas|G. A. Henty
His fur was silky, like a collie's, and there was a suggestion of bloodhound in his somewhat flabby jowls.
Trading Jeff and his Dog|James Arthur Kjelgaard

For all his easy cynicism, he had the reputation of being a bloodhound on the trail.
Brand Blotters|William MacLeod Raine

British Dictionary definitions for bloodhound

bloodhound

noun

a large breed of hound having a smooth glossy coat of red, tan, or black and loose wrinkled skin on its head: formerly much used in tracking and police work

informal a detective

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 bloodhound