[Cf. prec. and CROSS a.] A breed of animals (or plants) produced by crossing; a mongrel or hybrid breed; transf. an animal of such a breed. Also fig.
1774. Wilkes, Corr. (1805), IV. 185. The family of monsieur Louvet … emigrated to England; and made a cross-breed with those who [etc.].
1844. Disraeli, Coningsby, III. v. It seems to me a barren thing, this Conservatism, an unhappy cross-breed; the mule of politics that engenders nothing.
1890. Spectator, 13 Dec., 862/1. Both prizes for the cross-breeds were won by crosses of shorthorn with the Scotch breeds.
