Papillon

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈpæpɪjɒ̃/

Definitions

1. A small dog breed known for its distinctive large, butterfly-like ears and lively personality
2. A type of toy dog characterized by long, flowing ear hair that resembles butterfly wings
3. A petite companion dog identified by its erect, fringed ears that have a butterfly shape

Etymology: The dog is named after its ears, which are large, fringed, and spread out like a butterfly's wings. The French word "papillon" simply means "butterfly," and the breed took that name because of this resemblance. The "butterfly" sense itself goes back to Latin "pāpiliō," which meant both "butterfly" and "moth," so the Latin word never drew a sharp line between the two insects. The Latin word has a second life in English. "Pavilion," the large tent, descends from the same Latin root, so the butterfly and the tent are doublets: two English words from one source that reached the language by different routes. The tent's connection is less obvious, though it is easy to see once you know that a tent's billowing canvas could be compared to flapping wings.