noun
- a motherless calf or young animal, especially one that is weak or sickly
Usage: chiefly Western U.S.; also spelled dogie
adjective
- weak, sickly, or in poor condition
Usage: informal; chiefly Western U.S.
Examples
- The ranch hands found a dogy calf abandoned in the pasture.
- That horse looks dogy; it may need veterinary care.
- The herd included several dogies that required extra attention.
- A dogy animal cannot keep up with the rest of the group.
- Cowboys often had to bottle-feed dogies on the trail.