hangdog (HANG-dog) adjective

   1. Defeated; dejected

   2. Shamefaced.

[From the notion that the said person deserved to be hanged like a dog.
Yes, not too long ago, dogs were hanged for crimes, such as biting.]

   "Outplacement experts offer these three pieces of advice to holiday job
   seekers. First, don't stand around the chip dip looking hangdog; someone
   with a positive self-image makes a much better impression on potential
   employers. Second, don't come right out and ask for a job; use the parties
   to arrange future meetings with friends or new acquaintances. Third, don't
   drink so much that you start crying in your suds."
   Karen Slater, Firm Touts a New Holiday Bonus: Pink Slips Right Before
   Christmas, The Wall Street Journal (New York), Nov 23, 1984.

This week's theme: words to describe people.

Today's AWAD is sponsored by NannyTax, Inc., providing tax compliance
services to employers of domestic help. For useful information and
a free consultation, please visit: http://www.nannytax.com

AND
GAX, which provides web solutions ranging from web sites to the GAX~thinX
content management system. For more information, visit GAX at http://gax.com

............................................................................
Patriotism is often an arbitrary veneration of real estate above
principles. -George Jean Nathan, author and editor (1882-1958)

Q: Tomorrow is my friend's birthday and I forgot to send her a gift. Help!
A: Give the gift of words. Send a gift subscription of A.Word.A.Day at
   http://wordsmith.org/awad/gift.html . It is the gift that keeps on
   giving the whole year long, and beyond.

Pronunciation:
http://wordsmith.org/words/hangdog.wav
http://wordsmith.org/words/hangdog.ram