noun

1. any of several breeds of hunting dog that find game either by scenting and tracking, as the beagle, the bloodhound, and the foxhound, or by sighting followed by swift pursuit, as the borzoi, deerhound, and greyhound
2. any dog, especially a member of one of the hunting breeds, with drooping ears, a deep-throated bark, and a keen sense of smell
3. a contemptible person
4. ☆ Slang a devotee or fan autograph hound

Etymology: ME < OE hund, a dog (generic term), akin to Ger < IE base *kwon-, dog > cynic, Gr kyōn, L canis: houndsense shows specialization, accompanied by generalization of OE docga: see dog

transitive verb

1. to hunt or chase with or as with hounds; chase or follow continually; nag to hound a debtor
2. to urge on; incite as to pursuit

noun

1. either of two projections at the masthead for supporting the trestletrees and the upper parts of the lower rigging
2. a horizontal bar for strengthening the running gear of a wagon, cart, etc.

Etymology: < ME houn < ON hūnn, knob (< IE base *eu-, to swell, arch > L cavus, hollow), with unhistoric -d, infl. by hound