1. plural of hangdog; people who appear ashamed, guilty, or dejected
Usage: often used to describe someone with a sad or shamefaced expression

1. having a sad, guilty, or ashamed appearance or manner
Usage: typically describes facial expressions or demeanor

Examples

• The hangdogs shuffled into the room with their heads down.
• He wore a hangdog expression after being caught in the lie.
• She gave him a hangdog look that made him feel terrible.
• The team's hangdog faces showed their disappointment at losing.
• With hangdog demeanor, he apologized for his mistake.
• The prisoners had a hangdog appearance as they left the courthouse.