[Of obscure origin.] A mock sun, parhelion; also, a fragment of a rainbow.
1635. L. Foxe, North-West Fox (Hakl.), II. 291. This evening Sun dog, I hope may bring some change to our good.
1698. S. Sewall, Diary, 15 Feb. (1878), I. 471. Remarkable Sun-dogs and a Rainbow were seen.
1840. F. D. Bennett, Whaling Voy., I. 3. We noticed the phenomenon named by nautical men a ‘wind-gall,’… or sun-dog.
1896. Kipling, Seven Seas, Three Sealers, 68. And they saw the sun-dogs in the haze and the seal upon the shore.
