hounds

plural noun

ˈhau̇n(d)z 

: the framing at the masthead of a ship that supports the heel of the topmast and the upper parts of the lower rigging

Examples of hounds in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Henry VII kept small hounds called glove beagles due to their tiny size. —Kyle Wintersteen, Field & Stream, 30 Jan. 2023

For example, beagles were bred to be scent hounds for beagling (hare hunting). —Arthur Williams, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2022

Diarra hounds opponents at the perimeter, hungry for the ball, but rarely ever has the ball in his hand or directs the offense. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2023

Bay dogs, which are often curs or hounds, scent pigs out of cover, bark on the track, and bay them for the coup de grace—often when the pig turns to fight. —The Editors, Field & Stream, 9 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English houne, from Old Norse hūnn knob at the top of a masthead

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hounds

• hare and hounds