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SINCE 1828
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alan

noun
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variants: or alaunt or less commonly alant or alaun or alaund
plural -s

Definition of alan

1 archaic : a large dog used to hunt wild animals
2 heraldry : a short-eared dog

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First Known Use of alan

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for alan

Middle English alaunt, from Middle French alant, alan, from Old Spanish alán, alano

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The first known use of alan was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Alan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alan. Accessed 7 Jul. 2020.

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