E. Cobham Brewer 18101897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Large dogs, of various species, used for hunting deer.
Skins of animals slain in the chase were stretched on the ground and upon a heap of these lay 3 alans, as they were called, i.e., wolf greyhounds of the largest size.Sir W. Scott: The Talisman, chap. vi.