What does "maltese" mean?

Maltese: Of or pertaining to Malta or to its inhabitants. -- n. sing. & pl. A native or inhabitant of Malta; the people of Malta. Maltese cat (Zoöl.), a mouse-colored variety of the domestic cat. -- Maltese cross. See Illust. 5, of Cross. -- Maltese dog (Zoöl.), a breed of small terriers, having long silky white hair. The breed originated in Malta.

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