cur

noun

Etymology: From Middle English curre (“watchdog, small hunting dog, mongrel, mutt”), perhaps of Middle Low German or North Germanic origin, possibly from Old Norse kurr (“grumbling”), itself of imitative origin. Compare Middle Dutch corre (“domestic dog, yard dog, watch-dog”), dialectal Dutch korre (“dog, yard dog”), dialectal Swedish kurre (“a dog”). Compare also Old Norse kurra (“to growl; grumble”), Middle Low German kurren, korren (“to growl”). Compare also Middle Dutch querie (“female dog, bitch”).

1. A contemptible or inferior dog.

   “A fals double tunge is more fiers and fell Then Cerberus the cur couching in the kenel of hel; Wherof hereafter, I thinke for to write,”

   “you have many enemies, that know not why they are so, but, like to village-curs, bark when their fellows do.”

2. A detestable person.

   “This butcher's cur is venom-mouth'd, and I have not the power to muzzle him.”

   “"Who 's a cur - now - hey?"”

3. A sheepdog or watchdog.

   “Then send our Curs to gather up the Sheep”

   “"He's a good sharp cur," or "a good cur," is said of any dog that barks at strangers and guards his master's property.”