beagle

noun

1. one of a breed of small hounds having long ears, short legs, and a usually black, tan, and white coat.

noun

1. a small sturdy breed of hound, having a smooth dense coat usually of white, tan, and black; often used (esp formerly) for hunting hares
2. archaic a person who spies on others

verb

3. (intr) to hunt with beagles, normally on foot

n.

late 15c., of unknown origin, possibly from French becguele “noisy person,” literally “gaping throat,” from bayer “open wide” (see bay (n.2)) + gueule “mouth” (see gullet).