whippet

views updated Jun 08 2018

whip·pet / ˈ(h)wipit/ • n. a dog of a small slender breed originally produced as a cross between the greyhound and the terrier or spaniel, bred for racing.ORIGIN: early 17th cent.: partly from obsolete whippet ‘move briskly.’

whippet

views updated May 14 2018

whippet Sporting dog that was originally bred in England for racing and hare coursing. It is capable of running at speeds of 56.5km/h (35mph). It resembles a small greyhound. Height: to 56cm (22in) at the shoulder; weight: to 11kg (24lb).

whippet

views updated May 17 2018

whippet †lively young woman XVI; small breed of dog XVII. prob. f. †whippet vb. move briskly (XVI), i.e. whip it.