The English Mastiff is a breed of large dog. National kennel clubs, including the United Kingdom's Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club, refer to the breed as simply the Mastiff. Many claim that it evolved from the Anglo-Saxon word 'masty', meaning 'powerful'. Other sources, such as the Oxford English Dictionary, say the word originated from the Old French word mastin (Modern French mâtin), the word being itself derived from Vulgar Latin *ma(n)suetinus 'tame', see Classical Latin mansuetus with same meaning. The first list of dog breed names in the English language, contained within The Book of Saint Albans, published in 1465, includes 'Mastiff '. This work is attributed to Prioress Juliana Berners, but in part may be translated from the early 14th century Norman-French work Le Art de Venerie, by Edward II's Huntmaster Guillaume Twici.
Book of Saint Albans, contained within The Book of Saint Albans, published in 1465, includes "Mastiff ".
Book of Saint Albans, contained within The Book of Saint Albans, published in 1465, includes "Mastiff ".