jackal
[ jak-uh l, -awl ]
/ ˈdʒæk əl, -ɔl /
noun
any of several nocturnal wild dogs of the genus Canis, especially C. aureus, of Asia and Africa, that scavenge or hunt in packs.
a person who performs dishonest or base deeds as the follower or accomplice of another.
a person who performs menial or degrading tasks for another.
Origin of jackal
1595–1605; < alteration, by association with
Jack, of Persian
shag(h)āl; cognate with Sanskrit
śṛgāla
Words nearby jackal
jack-tar,
jack-the-lad,
jack-the-rags,
jack-up,
jack-up rig,
jackal,
jackanapes,
jackaroo,
jackass,
jackass bark,
jackass brig
Example sentences from the Web for jackal
British Dictionary definitions for jackal
jackal
/ (ˈdʒækɔːl) /
noun
any of several African or S Asian canine mammals of the genus Canis, closely related to the dog, having long legs and pointed ears and muzzle: predators and carrion-eaters
a person who does menial tasks for another
a villain, esp a swindler
Word Origin for jackal
C17: from Turkish
chakāl, from Persian
shagāl, from Sanskrit
srgāla