bulldog
UK[ˈbʊldɒɡ]US[ˈbʊldɔːɡ]
n
a breed of dog of the mastiff type with a broad head and powerful build, noted for its courage
n
a stubborn or persistent person
v
to attack or struggle with (a bull) by seizing its nose, as a bulldog does
v
to confront or challenge stubbornly or forcefully
Morpheme Breakdown
bull
dog
bull
dog
Etymology
the term 'bulldog' is a transparent english compound, formed from the nouns 'bull' and 'dog'. its origin lies in the early modern english practice of 'bull-baiting', a blood sport where these specially bred, tenacious dogs would grip a bull's nose or neck. the name thus literally describes the dog's function—a dog used for confronting bulls. over time, as the sport was outlawed, the breed's distinctive physical and temperamental traits became its defining features, and the term expanded metaphorically to describe a stubbornly determined person or a forceful action.
Analysis
Structure: bull + dog
bull (from old english bula, meaning a male bovine animal; the animal itself). dog (from old english docga, meaning a powerful breed of canine; the animal itself).
Examples
the bulldog is often used as a national symbol of british determination.
he's a real bulldog when it comes to negotiating contracts.
the prosecutor will bulldog the witness to get to the truth.