[a. F. basset ‘a terrier, or earthing beagle’ (Cotgr.), orig. adj., dim. of bas-se low; see BASE a.] A short-legged dog used in unearthing foxes and badgers.
1616. Surfl. & Markh., Countr. Farm, 700. Couple vp all the old earth dogs, and after let loose the young ones, incouraging them to take the earth, and crying vnto them, Creepe into them basset, creep into them.
1885. Daily News, 2 May, 3/5. Pictures of harriers and bassets.
