I. ˈməŋgrəl, ˈmäŋ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: probably from mong (I)
1. : an animal or plant resulting from the interbreeding of two or more breeds or strains ; especially : an individual of unknown ancestry but not necessarily of inferior quality — contrasted with crossbred and grade ; distinguished from scrub
2.
a. : a person of mixed birth or tendencies or of undefined status
b. : a cross between types of persons or things
3. dialect : stilt sandpiper
II. adjective
1. : of mixed breeding : being a mongrel
a mongrel dog
2. : of or being a mixed race or nationality — sometimes used disparagingly
3. : of mixed origin, character, or kinds : assignable to no definite class or type
a mongrel mixture, including some grass, more weeds, patches of moss — R.M.Yoder