I. (ˈ)mȯl|tēz, -ēs noun
( plural maltese )
Etymology: Malta + English -ese, n. suffix
1. capitalized : a native or inhabitant of Malta
2. capitalized : the Semitic language of the Maltese people
3. usually capitalized : any of various animals or breeds of animals originating in or believed to have originated in Malta: as
a. : a breed of asses
b. : a breed of large-uddered usually hornless milch goats
c. : a breed of white long-coated toy dogs with black nose and very dark eyes
d. : a breed of erect hen-type pigeons with a turned-up fanlike tail
e. : maltese cat
[s]maltese.jpg[/s] [
Maltese 3c
]
II. adjective
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Malta + English -ese, adjective suffix
1.
a. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Malta
b. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the people of Malta
2. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Maltese language