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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

"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

Etymology

Origin of Molossian

from Molossia , a district of Epirus

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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 William Youatt

It's easy for him as for a Molossian dog to kill wolves.

From The Unwilling Vestal by Edward Lucas White

Something more than instinct appears to inspire the Molossian.

From The Death Shot A Story Retold by Mayne Reid

And that war-captive dame, Andromache, In the Molossian land must find a home In lawful wedlock joined to Helenus, With that child who alone is left alive Of AEacus' line.

From Greek Women by Mitchell Carroll

But there, northward, towards the heights, is the little wood where Anhalt-Dessau stood at bay like a Molossian dog, of consummate military knowledge; and saved the fight in Eugene's quarter of it.

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 07 by Thomas Carlyle

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