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beagle

Archaic Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A small hound used for hunting, especially hare; symbolizes loyalty, keenness, or pursuit.

Detailed Definition
In pastoral and hunting poetry, the “beagle” represents fidelity and sensory acuity. Its melodic bay and tireless tracking make it a metaphor for poetic inspiration or moral conscience—ever alert and following a scent. Though common today, its archaic poetic use ties it to traditions of field sports and noble pastimes in aristocratic verse.
Example
Example in poetry:
The beagle’s cry led hunters through the frost; Like a faithful beagle, truth tracks down the lie; Her thoughts, a beagle, sniffed out hidden fears; The poet’s muse is but a tireless beagle
Additional Notes
“Beagle” denotes a small hound famed for tracking hare by scent, symbolizing loyalty, persistence, or sensory acuity. In hunting poetry, it represents the noble pursuit; in metaphorical use, it may signify conscience, inspiration, or truth-seeking. Its melodic bay and tireless nature make it ideal for allegories of moral or artistic pursuit. Related terms include “hound,” “harrier,” and “bloodhound,” but “beagle” carries connotations of manageable size, domesticity, and cheerful dedication—less fearsome, more companionable.
Also Known As
beagler small hound
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