messan

American  

[mes-uhn] / ˈmɛs ən /

Or messin

noun

Scot.

1. a lapdog; small pet dog.

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Etymology

Origin of messan

First recorded in 1490–1500; from Scots Gaelic measàn “pet”

Example Sentences

Burns, on the contrary, was as catholic, or as careless, in his friendships as his own Cæsar—who "Wad spend an hour caressin' Ev'n wi' a tinkler gipsy's messan."

From The Letters of Robert Burns by Burns, Robert

Then I spoke to my master, and said that we must strive to buy her a new ape, or a little messan dog, to be her playfellow.

From A Monk of Fife by Lang, Andrew

Here, sisters, here is my trusty and well-beloved Dame de Ste. Petronelle, who takes such care of me that she dogs my footsteps like a messan.'

From Two Penniless Princesses by Yonge, Charlotte Mary

He gave a charge on his lands to a goldsmith at York to pay for my up-bringing, and I verily believe thought no more of me than if I had been a messan dog.

From The Herd Boy and His Hermit by Yonge, Charlotte Mary

They led three hundred horses forth,    Milk white was every one; But the first sank down like a messan dog    That Swayne laid the saddle on.

From The King's Wake and Other Ballads by Wise, Thomas James