Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to Alsace: Of, from, or characteristic of the Alsace region in northeastern France or its inhabitants.

2. Noun:

   • A breed of dog: A large, powerful breed of shepherd dog, typically with a black and tan coat, used in police work, as a guide dog, and as a companion.
   • A native or inhabitant: A person who is from or lives in the Alsace region.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • We enjoyed the Alsatian wine and cuisine. (We enjoyed the wine and cuisine from Alsace.)
  • The festival celebrates Alsatian traditions. (The festival celebrates the traditions of Alsace.)

• Noun (Dog):

  • The police unit uses highly trained Alsatians. (The police unit uses highly trained dogs of this breed.)
  • An Alsatian can be a loyal and protective family pet. (A dog of this breed can be a loyal and protective family pet.)

• Noun (Person):

  • He is an Alsatian who moved to Paris for work. (He is a person from Alsace who moved to Paris for work.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "Alsatian" for the dog breed is primarily used in British English. In American English and many other regions, the breed is more commonly called a German Shepherd.
• When referring to the region, "Alsatian" can describe cultural elements like architecture, dialects (Alsatian German), or folklore.

Variants and Related Words

• German Shepherd (n): The more common name for the Alsatian dog breed in American English and globally.
• Alsatian dialect (n): The Germanic dialects spoken in the Alsace region.

Synonyms

• For the dog: German Shepherd Dog, GSD.
• For the person/region: (none are perfect synonyms) One might say "from Alsace" or "Alsatian native."

Notes on Meaning

• The word has two distinct primary meanings: one geographical/cultural (relating to Alsace) and one zoological (a breed of dog). Context is essential to determine which meaning is intended.
• Historically, the dog breed's name was changed to "Alsatian" in the UK after World War I due to anti-German sentiment, but the original name "German Shepherd" has since regained widespread use.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or characteristic of Alsace or its inhabitants

Noun

1. breed of large shepherd dogs used in police work and as a guide for the blind
2. a native or inhabitant of Alsace