The Collaborative International Dictionary
Bandog \Ban"dog`\ (b[a^]n"d[o^]g`; 115), n. [Band + dog, i.e., bound dog.] A mastiff or other large and fierce dog, usually kept chained or tied up.
The keeper entered leading his bandog, a large
bloodhound, tied in a leam, or band, from which he
takes his name.
--Sir W.
Scott.
Wiktionary
n. 1 (context now rare English) A dog that has been tied up; a mastiff or other kind of guard dog. 2 Specifically, a type of large, ferocious dog bred by crossing American pit bull terriers with Neapolitan mastiffs. 3 (context obsolete slang cant English) A bailiff or prison guard.
Wikipedia
The term Bandog (also known as Bandogge) is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages in England. Johannes Caius published a book in Latin in 1570, translated into English in 1576 by Abraham Fleming under the title, Of Englishe Dogges, in which he described the Bandog as a vast, stubborn, eager dog of heavy body.
Usage examples of "bandog".
I not cleared off I should have been run down myself, with a pack of bandog bailiffs at my heels.
Toil on, labour like a very bandog and let scholarment and all Malthusiasts go hang.
He watched it slash at his own throat now with the stunned incredulity of a house- holder who finds himself savaged by his own bandog, and he threw up his arms as much to shut out the sight as to counter the blow.
Out came a great company of Bandogs and mastifes, more fit to pul down bears and lions than me, whom when I beheld I thought verily I should presently die : but I turned myself about, and ranne as fast as ever I might to the stable from whence I came.