(1) Relating to eagles. (2) Curving like an eagle's beak.

*Aquiline,* from the Latin word meaning “eagle,” is most often used to describe a nose that has a broad curve and is slightly hooked, like a beak. The aquiline figure on the U.S. seal brandishes the arrows of war and the olive branch of peace. The word for eagle itself, *Aquila*, has been given to a constellation in the northern hemisphere.

Foolish, brainless.

The donkey, or *ass,* has often been accused of stubborn, willful, and stupid behavior lacking in logic and common sense. Asinine behavior exhibits similar qualities. Idiotic or rude remarks, aggressive stupidity, and general immaturity can all earn someone (usually a man) this description. If you call him this to his face, however, he might behave even worse.

(1) Relating to cows and oxen. (2) Placid, dull, unemotional.

*Bovine* comes from the Latin word for “cow,” though the biological family called the Bovidae actually includes not only cows and oxen but also goats, sheep, bison, and buffalo. So *bovine* is often used technically, when discussing “bovine diseases,” “bovine anatomy,” and so on. It can also describe a human personality, though it can be a rather unkind way to describe someone. When Hera, the wife of Zeus, is called “cow-eyed,” though, it's definitely a compliment, and Zeus fairly melts when she turns those big bovine eyes on him.

Relating to dogs or the dog family; doglike.

Dogs are prized for their talents and intelligence but aren't always given credit for their independence. Instead, tales of canine devotion and attachment are legendary; the old *Lassie* and *Rin-Tin-Tin* television series featured at least one heroic act of devotion per show. So we often hear people described as having “doglike devotion” or “doglike loyalty.” But *canine* itself, unlike *doglike*, usually refers to four-legged creatures. *Canine* is not only an adjective but also a noun. Dogs and their relatives in the Canidae family—the wolves, jackals, foxes, and coyotes—are often called canines. And so are those two slightly pointed teeth a bit to the right and left of your front teeth.

(1) Relating to cats or the cat family. (2) Like a cat in being sleek, graceful, sly, treacherous, or stealthy.

Cats have always provoked a strong reaction from humans. The Egyptians worshipped them, leaving thousands of feline mummies and idols as evidence. In the Middle Ages, *felines* were feared as agents of the devil, and were thought to creep around silently at night doing evil. (Notice that *feline* is also a noun.) The fascinating family called the Felidae includes about 40 species of superb hunters, including the lions, tigers, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, bobcats, and lynxes, and almost all of them are smooth, silent, and independent.

Relating to lions; lionlike.

The Latin word for “lion” is *leon,* so the names Leon, Leo, and Leona all mean “lion” as well. A leonine head usually has magnificent hair, like a male lion's mane. The leonine strength of Heracles (Hercules) is symbolized by the lion's pelt that he wears, the pelt of the fabled Nemean Lion which he had slain as one of his Twelve Labors. But leonine courage is what is so notably lacking in *The Wizard of Oz*'s Cowardly Lion.

Relating to pigs or swine; piglike.

Pigs are rarely given credit for their high intelligence or their friendliness as pets, but instead are mocked for their habit of cooling themselves in mud puddles and the aggressive way they often go after food. While *porcine* isn't as negative a term as *swinish,* it may describe things that are fat, greedy, pushy, or generally piggish—but primarily fat. Porky Pig and Miss Piggy aren't particularly porcine in their behavior, only in their appearance—that is, pink and pudgy.

(1) Relating to foxes; foxlike. (2) Sneaky, clever, or crafty; foxy.

Foxes may be sleek and graceful runners with beautiful coats and tails, but they're almost impossible to keep out of the henhouse. Over the centuries they have “outfoxed” countless farmers. Because of the quick intelligence in their faces and their cunning nighttime raids, *vulpine* today almost always describes a face or manner that suggests a person capable of the same kind of sly scheming.