pariah dog

noun

1

: a feral or stray dog that typically lives near human settlements

especially : a usually medium-sized, primitive dog (as of Africa, India, or southeastern Asia) that is often considered part of a naturally selected ancient breed, is characterized by a wedge-shaped head, pointed muzzle, erect ears, long curved tail, and usually a short coat, and typically scavenges for food

2

: any of a breed of dogs (such as the Canaan dog) that have been selectively bred from a pariah dog

Word History

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1