Canis \Ca"nis\ (k[a^]"n[i^]s), n.; pl. {Canes} (-n[=e]z). [L., a
dog.] (Zool.)
A genus of carnivorous mammals, of the family {Canid[ae]},
including the dogs and wolves.
[1913 Webster]
{Canis major} [L., larger dog], a constellation to the
southeast of Orion, containing Sirius or the Dog Star.
{Canis minor} [L., smaller dog], a constellation to the east
of Orion, containing Procyon, a star of the first
magnitude.
[1913 Webster]