Early Uses of the Word "Beagle"

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From the OED:

1. A small variety of hound, tracking by scent, formerly used in hunting hares, but now superseded by the Harrier, which sometimes takes its name.

c. 1475 (Sqr. lowe Degre 771): With theyr begles in that place, And sevenscore raches at his rechase.

1704 POPE (Windsor For. I. 121): To plains with well-bred beagles we repair, And trace the mazes of the circling hare.

2. fig. One who makes it his business to scent out or hunt down; a spy or informer; a constable, sheriff's officer, bailiff.

1837 CARLYLE (Fr. Rev. III. VII. v. 377): Attorneys and Law-beagles, which hunt ravenous on this Earth.

3. attrib., as in beagle-chase, -dog, -hound.

1706 (Lond. Gaz. No. 4223/4): A Beagle-Dog..with..Liver-coloured Spots upon his Ears.

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