pug

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a small, sturdy dog with a short muzzle, broad wrinkled face, smooth coat, and tightly curled tail

   The elderly pug slept beside the radiator with its tail curled over its back.

2. 2
   verb

   to mix and work wet clay or a similar material until it becomes uniform and easy to shape

   The potter used the machine to pug the clay before throwing the bowls.

3. 3
   noun

   dated informal: a boxer or prizefighter

   The retired pug still trained young fighters at the neighborhood gym.

The dog name developed from an older pug meaning an imp, monkey, or familiar creature, perhaps related to Puck; pug-dog is recorded in the eighteenth century. The clay-working verb is of uncertain origin. The dated boxing noun is a shortening of pugilist, while pug for an animal track comes separately from Hindi and Urdu pag, 'foot or step.'

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