yellow dog

noun

1. a cowardly, despicable person; a craven.

Word History and Origins

Origin of yellow dog¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Beside him was a large yellow dog, which took one look at Frank and came running over.

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Mr. Amis was shortlisted for the award in 1991 for “Time’s Arrow,” and longlisted in 2003 for “Yellow Dog.”

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The former rural affairs minister also said the party - which was granted two junior ministerial posts - were the "green tail wagging the yellow dog".

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A boy named Bo Willie wakes up one morning to find his “yellow dog” has fled, and embarks on a journey to find him.

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The Supreme Court upheld "yellow dog" contracts that forbade workers from unionizing.

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