alaunt

Alternative forms

• alan
• alant

Etymology

From Old French alans, alanz, from the Alan tribe of medieval barbarians, who were associated with the breed.

Noun

alaunt (plural alaunts)

1. A type of extinct breed of domesticated dog, related to the modern bulldog and mastiff, or modern breeds created in imitation of it.
   • 1917 trans., Yale University, Transactions - The Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences, Volume 21‎, page 133:

     The gentle alaunt is built exactly like a greyhound, except that he has a short, thick head.

   • 2007, Robert Low, An Ancient History of Dogs: Spaniels Through the Ages‎, page 121:

     The alaunt was considered a reckless animal, and had been known to attack domestic animals, or even its owner.

   • 2011, Ed Judah, The Lion Wakes‎, page 65:

     There was a streak through the grass, a fast-moving brindle arrow, rough-haired and uncombed. It struck the flank of the alaunt in midleap ...

Anagrams

• anlaut