poodle

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a breed of intelligent dog with a dense, curly coat, occurring in standard, miniature, and toy sizes

   The white poodle waited patiently while its curly coat was trimmed.

2. 2
   noun

   disapproving: a person or organization that obediently serves someone more powerful

   Critics accused the committee of acting as the minister's poodle.

From German Pudel, shortened from Pudelhund, literally a dog associated with splashing in water; compare German pudeln, 'splash.' The breed was developed as a water retriever. The servile-person sense compares an attendant to a trained pet.

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