cur

n. a dog that is considered low-quality, aggressive, or unfriendly.

n. a mongrel or inferior dog, particularly one that is ill-tempered or cowardly.

“The stray cur barked at everyone who walked past the old gate.”

“The village was plagued by a mangy cur that spent its nights howling at the moon and raiding the local bins.”

Literary · Archaic

n. a person who is mean, cowardly, or lacks any honor.

n. a contemptible, cowardly, or detestable person; used as a sharp insult.

“He called the man a cur for leaving his friends in danger.”

“In the historical novel, the protagonist refuses to duel with a cur who had cheated his way into high society.”

Literary · Archaic

n. a type of dog used for herding sheep or guarding property.

n. a working dog, specifically a sheepdog or watchdog, often in specific regional dialects.

“The farmer kept a sturdy cur to help move the cattle between fields.”

“The shepherd relied on his loyal cur to keep the flock together during the harsh winter storms in the highlands.”

Dialect · Archaic