rare. [f. SPANIEL sb.1] a. intr. (also with it). To act like a spaniel; to be meanly submissive or subservient. b. trans. To follow, or fawn upon, like a spaniel.
1599. Porter, Angry Wom. Abingt. (Percy Soc.), 101. How he would spaniell it, and shake himselfe when he comes out of the pond!
1606. Shaks., Ant. & Cl., IV. xii. 21. The hearts That pannelled [Hanmer (1743–4) emend. spaniel’d] meat heeles, to whom I gaue Their wishes.
1763. Churchill, Conference, 4. Let Fortune change, and Prudence changes too, Supple and pliant a new system feels, Throws up her Cap, and spaniels at his heels.
1812. W. Tennant, Anster F. (1814). 1. xvi. 4. By such a pack of men, in am’rous quest, Fawningly spaniel’d to bestow her hand.
