water spaniel

either of two breeds of spaniels, used for retrieving waterfowl.

Origin of water spaniel

First recorded in 1560–70

No jack-rabbits ventured into the desert; no more would a water-spaniel breast a scalding sea.

On a Donkey's Hurricane Deck |R. Pitcher Woodward
She hath more qualities than a water-spaniel,— 270 which is much in a bare Christian.

Two Gentlemen of Verona |William Shakespeare
In the street she was followed by a water-spaniel, which appealed and vanished suddenly.

A Mummer's Tale |Anatole France
There were evident traces of the water-spaniel, the Skye terrier, and that most beautiful of all the hound family—the beagle.

Captain Mugford |W.H.G. Kingston

A water-spaniel which knows how to work with a hawk is in each case very useful.

The Art and Practice of Hawking |Edward B. Michell

water spaniel

either of two large curly-coated breeds of spaniel (the Irish and the American), which are used for hunting waterfowl See also Irish water spaniel