hellhound
nounUK /ˈhɛlhaʊnd/ · US /ˈhɛlˌ(h)aʊnd/
Etymology From Middle English helle hound; equivalent to hell + hound.
1
Human sciences, Mysticism, Mythology, Philosophy, Sciences A demonic dog of hell, typically of unnatural size, strength or speed, with black fur, glowing eyes, and ghostly or phantom characteristics.
- From forth the kennell of thy wombe hath crept / A Hell-hound that doth hunt vs all to death:c. 1593 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Richard the Third: […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene iii], page 195, column 2:
- Barricading serves not: fly fast, ye Bodyguards; rabid Insurrection, like the hellhound Chase, uproaring at your heels!1837, Thomas Carlyle, chapter X, in The French Revolution: A History […], volume I (The Bastille), London: Chapman and Hall, →OCLC, book VII (The Insurrection of Women):
2
Figuratively An evil or unpleasant person.
- Related terms
- Cerberus, Orthrus