Mās'tiff, n.

noun

n.; pl. MĀS'TIFFS. [Mastices is irregular and unusual.] [L. Lat. mastīnus, mastinus, O. Fr. mastin, N. Fr. mâtin, Pr. masti, Sp. mastin, Pg. mastim, It. mastino, for masnadio, from It. masnada, Lat. as if mansionata, domestics, inmates, family, hence N. Lat. canis familiaris, s. domesticus, house-dog. Cf. O. Fr. mestif, chien mestif, a mongrel. See MANSION.] A large variety of dog, remarkable for strength and courage.

An engraving of a large mastiff walking. — Mastiff.