whippet

/whip"it, wip"-/, n.

1. one of a breed of small, swift dogs resembling a greyhound, used for hunting rabbits and for racing.

2. Also called whippet tank. a fast, light tank used by the British in World War I.

[1490-1500; perh. alter. of phrase whip it move briskly]

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Breed of hound dog developed in 19th-century Britain to chase rabbits in an arena.

It was developed from terriers and English and Italian greyhounds, which it resembles. It stands 18–22 in. (46–56 cm), weighs about 28 lbs (13 kg), and has a smooth coat of gray, tan, or white. Capable of speeds up to 35 mph (56 kph), it is used for racing and for hunting small game. It is typically quiet and even-tempered.

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▪ breed of dog

 hound breed developed in mid-19th-century England to chase rabbits for sport in an arena. The breed was developed from terriers and small English greyhounds (greyhound); Italian greyhounds were later bred in to give the whippet a sleek appearance. A greyhoundlike dog standing 18 to 22 inches (46 to 56 cm) and weighing about 28 pounds (13 kg), it has a close, smooth coat, usually gray, tan, or white. Running up to 35 miles (56 km) per hour, the whippet is used for racing and is known in England as the “poor man's racehorse.” It can also hunt small game and is typically quiet and even-tempered.

       Selected breeds of houndsSee the table (Selected breeds of hounds) of selected breeds of hounds for further information.

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