Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • An old division of domestic dogs, including those notable for their fighting qualities, as mastiffs and bulldogs: distinguished from Celeres and Sagaces.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Soon after Britain was discovered, the 'pugnaces' of Epirus were pitted against those of our island, and, according to the testimony of Gratius, completely beaten.

    The Dog William Youatt 1811

  • The translator of Arrian imagines that the use of the 'pugnaces'

    The Dog William Youatt 1811

  • The account of the British 'pugnaces' of former times, and also of the

    The Dog William Youatt 1811

  • 'pugnaces' and the 'sagaces' are mentioned; but the 'celeres' -- the swift-footed -- are not spoken of as a peculiar breed.

    The Dog William Youatt 1811

  • By most authors who have inquired into the origin of these varieties of the dog, the 'sagaces' have been generally assigned to Greece -- the 'pugnaces' to Asia -- and the 'celeres' to the Celtic nations.

    The Dog William Youatt 1811

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