foo dog

plural foo dogs · alternative Foo dog · alternative fu dog

1. A stylized lion statue similar to those usually placed in male and female pairs outside imperial Chinese palaces, tombs, temples, etc.

   Passing to the central medallion, yet a new element confronts us in the Foo dogs, of which several are employed, somewhat crowded, and confused by reason of their coloring, which, nevertheless, is good and, so far as balance is concerned, well distributed.

   1916 March 1, John Kimberly Mumford, “Chinese Rugs”, in The Mentor, volume 4, number 2

   1 more example

   In the revival of Buddhism during Tang times (618–907), all Buddhist temples were protected by a pair of these stone lions. Eventually Foo dogs became popular at the entryways of homes, gardens, and places of business. Traditionally the Foo dogs were somewhat austere, unpainted stone sculptures meant to frighten away evil spirits. Gradually they became more colorful, doglike, and somewhat playful.

   2014, Shelia Hollihan-Elliot, Art and Architecture of China, Simon and Schuster, →ISBN

   Synonyms: foo lion, guardian lion, stone lion, komainu

2. A Pekingese dog.

plural Foo dogs

1. Alternative letter-case form of foo dog