doeskin 
doeskin (do'skin), n. 1. The skin of a doe. 
2. A very close and compact woolen cloth, 
smoothly finished on the face, made for wear- 
ing-apparel, especially for men. 
doff (dof), v. [Early mod. E. also doffe; in 17th 
century sometimes printed d'off; <TME. doffe, 
orig., in impv. (in which form the word first 
appears) dof, contr. of do of, inf. don of, put 
off : see do and off. Cf . don, dout, dup. Cf . E. 
dial, gmtf (for *goff), contr. of go off.'] I. trans. 
1. To put or take off, as dress, or any article 
of dress, especially the hat or cap. 
Then to her he did doffe his cap. 
Jitiin Hood and the Tanners Daughter (Child's Ballads, 
[V. 335). 
You have deceiv'd our trust, 
And made us doff owe easy robes of peace. 
Shak., 1 Hen. IV., v. 1. 
Heaven's king who doffs himself our flesh to wear. 
Crashaw. 
Would I could doff my royal robes, and be 
One of the people who are ruled by me. 
R. a. Stoddard, King's Bell. 
2f. To strip ; uncover ; lay bare. 3f. To put 
or drive off; thrust aside or away. 
Every day thou doff'st {daff'st or daffest in most editions] 
me with some device. Shak., Othello, iv. 2. 
With their tails do sweep 
The dewy grass, to do/ the simpler sheep. 
B. Jonson, Sad Shepherd, i. 2. 
4. To throw, as something taken off or re- 
jected ; put or thrust so as to be out of the way. 
[Rare.] 
This need for a special organ, not included within the 
range of sensible Experience, is doffed aside. 
G. H. Lewes, Probs. of Life and Mind, 1st ser., III. 
[vii. 84. 
5. In textile manuf. : (a) To strip off, as cotton 
or wool for spinning from the cards or carding- 
cylinder, etc. (see doffer); also, to remove or 
take away, as full bobbins, to make way for 
empty ones. (6) To mend or piece together, 
as broken threads. 
II. intrans. To remove the hat from the head 
in salutation. 
And feeding high, and living soft, 
Grew plump and able-bodied; 
Until the grave churchwarden doff'd, 
The parson smirk'd and nodded. 
Tennyson, The Goose. 
doffer (dof 'er), n. One who or that which doffs ; 
specifically, a revolving cylinder in a carding- 
raachine, which doffs or strips off the cotton 
from the cards. See cut under carding-machine. 
The do/ers, who refused to pack yarn, are still making 
trouble. 
Strike of American Linen Co., New York Evening Post, 
[March 1, 1888. 
doflmg-cylinder (dof'ing-siHin-der), . A 
carded cylinder in a carding-machine for remov- 
ing fibers from the teeth of the main cylinder. 
dofimg-knife (dof'ing-nif) ( n. In a carding- 
machine, a steel blade with a finely toothed 
edge, which is reciprocated by a crank tan- 
gentially to the teeth of the doffer, for the pur- 
pose of taking off from it the carded wool 
which is collected into a sliver. 
dog (dog or d6g), . [Early mod. E. also dogg, 
dogge; < ME. dog, dogge, < AS. docga (found 
only once, in a gloss, in gen. pi. docgena) = 
MD. dogge, D. dog = LG. dogge, > G. dogge, 
dial, dog, docke = Sw. dogg = Dan. dogge, a 
dog, mastiff; cf. (from LG. or E.) OP. and F. 
dogue = Sp. dogo = Pg. dogo, dogue = It. dogo, 
a mastiff, bulldog; origin unknown. The gen- 
eral Teut. and Indo-European name for the 
dog appears in hound, q. v. Hence in comp. 
bandog, bulldog, etc.] 1. A quadruped of the 
genus Canis, C. familiaris. The origin of the dog is 
a question most difficult of solution. Some think the breed 
is derived from the wolf, others affirm it to be from a 
familiarized jackal ; all agree that no trace of it is to be 
found in a primitive state, the dhole of India and the dingo 
of Australia being wild descendants from domesticated 
ancestors. The view now generally taken by naturalists 
is that the dog is neither a species, in the zoological sense, 
nor even the descendant of any one species modified by 
domestication, but that the dogs of different parts of the 
world have a correspondingly various ancestry, from dif- 
ferent wild species of the genus Canis, as wolves, foxes, 
and jackals. This view is supported not only by the enor- 
mous differences between dogs, but also by the readiness 
with which nearly all dogs cross with their wild relatives ; 
and, accordingly, the name Canis familiaris is a conven- 
tional rather than a proper zoological designation of the 
dog as a species. No satisfactory classification of the differ- 
ent kinds of dogs has been arrived at, what some natural- 
ists regard as types being regarded by others as mere mon- 
grels. An old classification grouped dogs in three classes, 
the Celeres, Sagaces, and Pugnaces. Colonel Hamilton 
Hniith groups the domestic dog into six sections : (1) the 
wolf-dogs, including the Siberian, Eskimo, Newfoundland, 
Great St. Bernard, sheep-dog, etc. ; (2) watch- and cattle- 
dogs, including the German boar-hound, Danish dog, dog of 
1718 
the North American Indians, etc. ; (3) the greyhounds, as 
the different kinds of greyhound, Irish hound, lurcher, 
Egyptian street-dog, etc. ; (4) the houm.ls, as the blood- 
hound, staghound, foxhound, harrier, beagle, pointer, set- 
ter, spaniel, springer, cocker, Blenheim dog, poodle, etc. ; 
(5) the curs, including the terrier and its allies ; () the 
mastiffs, including the different kinds of mastiff, bulldog, 
pug-dog, etc. All these are artificial varieties, having com- 
paratively little stability, their distinctive characters be- 
ing soon lost by reversion to a more generalized type if they 
are left to interbreed. This tendency to reversion requires 
to be constantly counteracted by "artificial selection" at 
the hands of breeders, in order that the several strains 
may be kept pure, and their peculiarities be perpetuated 
along the desired lines of specialization. The best-bred 
dogs, of whatever kind, are those furthest removed from 
an original or common type of structure. The differences 
between dogs of all kinds are vastly greater than those 
found among individuals of any species in a state of na- 
ture ; so great that, were they not known to be artificial, 
the dog would represent several different genera of the 
family Canidce in ordinary zoological classification. In 
fact, some genera, based upon actual and constant differ- 
ences in the dental formula, have been named in order to 
signalize certain structural modifications which are found 
to exist, affording an example of the evolution of generic 
characters as well as of specific differences. These varia- 
tions extend not only to size and general configuration, 
character of the pelage, and other outward features, but 
also to positive osteological and dental peculiarities, more 
marked probably than those of any other domesticated 
animals. The corresponding physiological and psycho- 
logical differences are equally decided, as witnessed in 
the dispositions and temperaments of dogs, their compara- 
tive docility, intelligence, etc., and consequently the uses 
to whicli they are or may be put. In the matter of size 
alone, for example, some toy dogs are tiny enough to stand 
easily on one of the fore paws of a large dog. Throughout 
the endless varieties, however, the influence of heredity 
is witnessed in the readiness with which dogs interbreed 
with one another, and cross with wolves, foxes, and jack- 
als, bearing fertile progeny in all cases, and the readiness 
with which they revert to the wild state of their several 
ancestors. See the names of the several breeds. See also 
Canidai and Canis. 
dog 
ing a log in a saw-pit or on the carriage of a saw-mill, (f) 
Any part of a machine acting as a claw or clutch, as the 
carrier of a lathe, or an adjustable stop to change the mo- 
tion of a machine-tool. (/) pi. The set-screws which ad- 
just the bed-tool of a punching. press. (<j) A grappling-iron 
which lifts the monkey or hammer of a pile-driver. (A) A 
click or pallet to restrain the back-action of a ratchet- 
wheel by engaging the teeth ; a pawl, (t) pi. In nhip-build- 
ing, the final supports which are knocked aside when a 
ship is launched ; a dogshore. (j) In a lock, a tooth, pro- 
jection, tusk, or jag which acts as a detent, (k) A grab 
used to grasp well-tubes or -tools, to withdraw them from 
bored, drilled, or driven wells. (I) pi. Nippers used in 
wire-drawing. They resemble carpenters' strong pincers 
or pliers, and are sometimes closed by a sliding ring at the 
end of the strap or chain which slides down the handles of 
the nippers. A dog's age. a comparatively long time; 
as, I haven't seen him in a dog's age. [Colloq.] A dog's 
death, a humiliating or disgraceful death, such as is In- 
flicted upon a worthless or dangerous dog. 
Let neither my father nor mother get wit 
This dog's death I'm to die. 
The Queen's Marie (Child's Ballads, III. 119). 
A hair of the dog that bit him. See hairi. Burrow- 
ing dog, the prairie-wolf or coyote, Cani* latranx. Cur- 
tal dog. See curtal. Dalmatian dog, the coach-dog ; 
an artificial breed of dogs, resembling the pointer in form 
and stature, but white in color, profusely spotted with 
black. It is trained to run under a vehicle, and is kept 
mainly as an appendage to an equipage, having little 
sagacity, and being practically worthless for other pur- 
Now is a dogge also dere that in a dych lygges. 
Alliterative Poems (ed. Morris), ii. 1792. 
Many pretty ridiculous aspersions are cast vpon dogyeis, 
so that it would make a dogge laugh to heare and vnder- 
stand them : as, I haue heard a man say, I am as hot as a 
dogge, or, as cold as a dogge ; I sweat like a dogge (when 
indeed a dogge never sweats) ; as drunke as a dogge ; nee 
swore like a dogge; and one told a man once that nis wife 
was not to be beleev'd, for shee would lye like a dogge. 
John Taylor, The Worlde Bunnes on Wheeles (Works, 
[1630), p. 232. 
He asks no angel's wings, no seraph's fire ; 
But thinks, admitted to that equal sky, 
His faithful dog shall bear him company. 
Pope, Essay on Man, i. 112. 
2. In distinguishing sex, a male dog, as op- 
posed to bitch; hence sometimes used in com- 
position for the male of other animals, as in 
dog-fox, dog-ape. 3. pi. Canine quadrupeds in 
general; the family Canida; (which see). 4. 
The prairie-dog. [Colloq., western U. S.] 
5. The dogfish. [Local, Eng.] 6. A mean, 
worthless fellow; a currish or sneaking scoun- 
drel : applied in reproach or contempt. 
A ! dogg ! the deuyll the drowne ! York Plays, p. 82. 
Whoever saw the like? what men have I? 
Dogs .' cowards ! dastards ! I would ne'er have fled, 
But that they left me midst my enemies. 
Shak., 1 Hen. VI., i. 2. 
7. A gay or rakish man, especially if young; a 
sport or gallant: applied, usually with an epi- 
thet (young, imjmdent, etc.), in mild or humor- 
ous reprobation. 
I love the young dogs of this age. Johnson, in Boswell. 
Here, sir, I give my daughter to you, who are the most 
impudent dog I ever saw in my life. 
Sheridan, St. Patrick's Day, ii. 4. 
8. In astron.: (a) [cap.'] One of two ancient 
constellations lying south of the zodiac, known 
as Canis Major and Cams Minor. See Canis. 
(b) The dog-star. 
The burnt air, when the Dog reigns, is not fouler 
Thau thy contagious name. 
Beau, and Fl., Maid's Tragedy, iv. 1. 
9. A name of various mechanical devices, 
tools, and pieces of machinery, (a) pi. Andirons: 
specifically called Jire-dogs. 
Dogs for andirons is still current in New England, and 
in Walter de Biblesworth I find chiens glossed in the mar- 
gin by andirons. Lowell, Biglow Papers, Int. 
(6) Same as dog-head, 1. (c) A sort of iron hook or bar, 
with one or more sharp fangs or claws at one end, which 
i 
a. Bench-dog. *. Ring- or Span-dogs, c. Sling-dogs. 
may be fastened into a piece of wood or other heavy ar- 
ticle, for the purpose of moving it : used with various spe- 
cific prefixes. See cut. (d) An iron with fangs for fasten- 
let another use it, or who from mere perversity stands in 
the way of the interest or enjoyment of another without 
benefiting himself : referring to the fable of an ill-natured 
dog which, stationing himself in a horse's manger, will 
not let the horse eat the food in it, although he cannot 
eat it himself. Dog to or for the bowt, a dog used in 
shooting. Such dogs, being well trained and obedient, 
were taken to typify humble or subservient people. Davies. 
And eek to Januarie he gooth as lowe 
As evere dide a dogge for the bowe. 
Chaucer, Merchant's Tale, 1. 770. 
Eskimo dog, one of a breed of dogs extensively spread 
over the northern regions of America and of eastern Asia. 
It is rather heavier than the English pointer, but appears 
smaller on account of the shortness of its legs. It has 
oblique eyes, an elongated muzzle, and a bushy tail, which 
characteristics give it a wolfish appearance. The color is 
generally a deep dun, obscurely barred and patched with 
a darker color. It is the only beast of burden in arctic lati- 
tudes, and with a team of such dogs attached to his sledge 
the Eskimo can travel 60 miles a day for several successive 
days. Field-dog, a dog used for the pursuit of game in 
the field. In the United States the term is commonly ap- 
plied to pointers and setters. Hunting-dog, (a) A dog^ 
used for hunting, (b) The painted hyena or cynhyene. 
See Lycaon. Maltese dog, a very small kind of spaniel 
with long silky hair, generally white, and with a round 
muzzle. Newfoundland dog, a fine variety of the dog, 
supposed to be derived from Newfoundland, where it is em- 
ployed in drawing sledges and little carnages laden with 
wood, fish, or other commodities. There are several vane- 
ties of this dog, the principal being a very large breed with 
broad muzzle, head carried well up, noble expression, wav- 
ing or curly hair, thick and bushy curled tail, black and 
white color. Another breed is smaller and almost entire- 
ly black. Some breeds seem to be crossed with hounds, 
mastiffs, etc. The Newfoundland dog is remarkable for 
its sagacity, patience, and good nature, and for its affec- 
tion for its master. No dog excels it as a water-dog, its 
broad half-webbed paws making it an excellent and pow- 
erful swimmer. Pouched dog, a marsupial, the thyla- 
cine dasyure of Tasmania. See hyena, 2, and zebra-wolf. 
Prairie dog. see prairie-dog. to rain cats and 
dogs. See c(i. To the dogs, to waste, ruin, perdition, 
etc.: used with give, go, send, throw, etc. 
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs. Mat vii. 6. 
Throw physic to the dogs, I'll none of it. 
Shak., Macbeth, v. 3. 
If that mischievous Ate 1 that has engaged the two most 
mighty monarchs in the world in a bloody war were sent 
to her place, i. e. , to the dogs. 
Bailey, tr. of Colloquies of Erasmus, p. 266. 
dog (dog or dog), c. t. ; pret. and pp. dogged, ppr. 
dogging, f Early mod. E. dogge; < dog, .] 1. 
To follow like a dog; follow with or as with 
dogs, as in hunting with dogs; hunt; follow 
pertinaciously or maliciously ; keep at the heels 
of; worry with importunity: as, to dog deer; to 
dog a person's footsteps. 
We'll dog you, we'll follow you afar off. 
B. Jonson, Epicoene, ii. 2. 
I have been pursued, dogged, and waylaid. Pope. 
On your crests sit fear and shame, 
And foul suspicion dog your name. 
Scott, Kokeby, ii. 25. 
This it is to dog the fashion : i.e.. to follow the fashion 
at a distance, as 'a dog follows the heels of his master. 
H'halley, Note to B. Jonson's Every Man out of his 
[Humour, iv. 6. 
2. To fasten, as a log by means of a dog (see 
dog, n., 9 (d)), for sawing. 
When the log reached the carriage it was dogged, not 
with the old-fashioned lever dog driven by a mallet, but 
by the simple movement of a lever. 
Encyc. Brit., XXXI. 346. 
It has novel features of construction, and is particular- 
ly intended for dogging small tapering logs. 
Sci. Amer., N. 8., LV1. 170. 
