Main Entry:

mas·tiff

Pronunciation:

\ˈmas-təf\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English mastif, from Medieval Latin mastivus, from Vulgar Latin *masuetivus, from Latin mansuetus tame — more at mansuetude

Date:

14th century

: any of a breed of very large massive powerful smooth-coated dogs that are apricot, fawn, or brindle and are often used as guard dogs

[mastiff illustration]