alaunt

plural alaunts · alternative alan · alternative alant

1. A domesticated dog of an extinct breed related to the modern bulldog and mastiff, or modern breeds created in imitation of it.

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

   2007, Ed Judah, An Ancient History of Dogs: Spaniels Through the Ages, page 121

   2 more examples

   Les alans gentilz si doivent estre fez et taillez droitement comme un levrier de toutes choses fors de la teste, qui doit estre grosse et courte.

   1916, Albert Stanburrough Cook, “Appendix B: Chaucer's Alaunts”, in The Last Months of Chaucer's Earliest Patron, translation of Déduits de la Chasse des Bestes Sauvaiges et des Oiseaulx de Proye by Gaston Phœbus, page 133

   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 ...

   2011, Robert Low, The Lion Wakes, page 65