yellow dog

noun

1. a cowardly, despicable person; a craven.

Word History and Origins

Origin of yellow dog¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Hall was one of the last of the yellow dog Democrats in Congress.

From The Daily Beast

There was an ugly, black steer in the herd, and they were wondering whether their old yellow dog would be able to manage him.

From Project Gutenberg

We had now 21 mules and 19 horses, the brown puppy, and a large yellow dog from Gartok.

From Project Gutenberg

I was never to receive an answer to these questions, for the parts she and the yellow dog played in our romance were ended.

From Project Gutenberg

Her competitor, a yellow dog called Smoaker, was let loose, and the whole party awaited in eager expectation of a hare.

From Project Gutenberg

Under that look my self-importance shrank until the yellow dog with which I had compared myself loomed as large as an elephant.

From Project Gutenberg