bobcat

[ bob-kat ]
/ ˈbɒbˌkæt /

noun, plural bob·cats, (especially collectively) bob·cat.

a North American wildcat, Lynx rufus, ranging from southern Canada to central Mexico, having a brownish coat with black spots.
Also called bay lynx.

Origin of bobcat

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; bob(tail) + cat

Example sentences from the Web for bobcat

British Dictionary definitions for bobcat

bobcat
/ (ˈbɒbˌkæt) /

noun

a North American feline mammal, Lynx rufus, closely related to but smaller than the lynx, having reddish-brown fur with dark spots or stripes, tufted ears, and a short tail Also called: bay lynx

Word Origin for bobcat

C19: from bob ² (referring to its short tail) + cat 1