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

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