bird dog

¹

noun

1. one of any of various breeds of dogs trained to hunt or retrieve birds.
2. Informal. a person hired to locate special items or people, especially a talent scout who seeks out promising athletes.
3. Slang. a person who steals another person's date.

bird-dog

²

[ burd-dawg, -dog ]

verb (used with object)

Informal.

bird-dogged, bird-dogging.

1. to follow, watch carefully, or investigate.
2. to seek out.

verb (used without object)

bird-dogged, bird-dogging.

1. Informal. to follow or watch carefully.
2. Slang. to steal or attempt to steal another person's date.

bird dog

noun

1. hunting a dog used or trained to retrieve game birds after they are shot

verb

1. informal.
   to control closely with unceasing vigilance

Word History and Origins

Origin of bird dog¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Origin of bird dog²

v. use of bird dog