otter-hound

An otter-hound follows a scent along a riverbank.

Definition

Noun: - A breed of large, rough-coated hound originally bred for hunting otters. - The "otter-hound" is a dog known for its powerful swimming ability, webbed feet, and keen sense of smell, used historically to track and flush otters from rivers and lakes.

Usage Examples

• (A specific type of hunting dog.)
• (Their historical role in hunting.)

Advanced Usage

• "Otter-hound pack": a group of otter-hounds kept for hunting together.
  • The local hunt club maintained a pack of otter-hounds for weekend expeditions. (A collection of these dogs used in coordinated hunting.)

Variants and Related Words

• Otterhound (n): an alternative spelling, often used interchangeably with "otter-hound."
  • The otterhound is one of the most endangered dog breeds in the world. (The same breed, with a simplified spelling.)

Synonyms

• Hound: a general term for a dog bred for hunting.
• Water dog: a dog adapted for swimming and working in water, though not a direct synonym.

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs using "otter-hound" specifically, as it is a specialized term.