\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.