Molossian

British  

/ məˈlɒsɪən /

noun

1. a breed of dog native to Epirus in NW Greece, used in classical antiquity as a hunting dog and guard dog

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Etymology

Origin of Molossian

from Molossia , a district of Epirus

Example Sentences

For, like a Molossian, or tawny Laconian dog, that is a friendly assistant to shepherds, I will drive with erected ears through the deep snows every brute that shall go before me.

From The Works of Horace by Horace

The forlorn condition of Themistocles excited the compassion of the wife of the Molossian king, who placed her child in his arms, and bade him seat himself on the hearth as a suppliant.

From A Smaller history of Greece From the earliest times to the Roman conquest by Smith, William, Sir

For instance, the Molossian dance consisted of three long steps, ; that of the Laconians was the dactyl, , which was sometimes reversed .

From Critical and Historical Essays Lectures delivered at Columbia University by Baltzell, W. J. (Winton James)

Meanwhile Carlyle admired my brother's general force of character, and ultimately made him his executor, in order, as he put it, that there might be a 'great Molossian dog' to watch over his treasure.

From The Life of Sir James Fitzjames Stephen, Bart., K.C.S.I. A Judge of the High Court of Justice by Stephen, Leslie, Sir

The Molossian dogs were at a later period much esteemed by the Romans as watch dogs, not only of their dwellings, but also to guard their flocks against the incursions of wild animals.

From The Dog by Youatt, William