Maltese \Mal*tese"\, a. Of or pertaining to Malta or to its inhabitants. -- n. sing. & pl. A native or inhabitant of Malta; the people of Malta.

Maltese cat (Zo["o]l.), a mouse-colored variety of the domestic cat.

Maltese cross. See Illust. 5, of Cross.

Maltese dog (Zo["o]l.), a breed of small terriers, having long silky white hair. The breed originated in Malta.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)