Dog Star n. Sirius, a star of the constellation Canis Major, or the Greater Dog, and the brightest star in the heavens; called also Canicula, and, in astronomical charts, alpha Canis Majoris. See Dog days.
... alphabet are merely astronomical hieroglyphics; and it is for this reason that the mode of writing is from right to left, like the march of the stars. —"They denote a prophet by the image of a dog, because the dog star (Anoubis) by its rising gives notice of the inundation. Noubi, in Hebrew signifies prophet—They represent inundation by a lion, because it takes place under that sign: and hence, says Plutarch, the custom of placing at the gates of temples figures of lions with water ... — The Ruins • C. F. [Constantin Francois de] Volney
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