Etymology Borrowed from Middle French, from Old French chien terrier (“terrier dog”), from chien (“dog”) + Old French terrier (“of earth”, adjective), from Medieval Latin terrarius (“of earth”), from Latin terra (“earth”).
1
A dog from a group of small, lively breeds, originally bred for the hunting of burrowing prey such as rats, rabbits, foxes, and even otters; this original function is reflected in some of their names (e.g. rat terrier).
2
Someone displaying terrier-like qualities such as determined pursuit.
One of the LNER dispatch staff is a terrier when it comes to masks, challenging anyone without them.2020 November 4, Paul Bigland, “At no point have I felt unsafe...”, in Rail, page 47:
Etymology Borrowed from Anglo-Norman terrier, from Old French terrier (“of earth”, adjective), from Medieval Latin terrarius (“of earth”), from Latin terra (“earth”).
1
LawHistorical A collection of acknowledgments of the vassals or tenants of a lordship, containing the rents and services they owed to the lord, etc.
2
Law An inventory (book or roll) in which the lands of private persons or corporations are described by their site, boundaries, number of acres, etc.; a terrar.