JACKAL
jackal, Canis aureus
(noun) Old World nocturnal canine mammal closely related to the dog; smaller than a wolf; sometimes hunts in a pack but usually singly or as a member of a pair
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
jackal (plural jackals)
Any of certain wild canids of the genus Canis, native to the tropical Old World and smaller than a wolf.
A person who performs menial/routine tasks, a dogsbody.
(pejorative) A person who behaves in an opportunistic way; especially a base collaborator.
(slang, rare) A jack (the playing card).
Hypernyms
• (any of certain wild canids of genus Canis): canid, dog
Hyponyms
• (any of certain wild canids of genus Canis): golden jackal (Canis aureus); black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas, Cape jackal, East African jackal); side-striped jackal (Canis adustus)
Verb
jackal (third-person singular simple present jackals, present participle jackalling, simple past and past participle jackalled)
To perform menial or routine tasks
Source: Wiktionary
Jack"al`, n. Etym: [Pers. shaghal: cf. OF. jackal, F. chacal; cf. Skr. ç\'f0gala.]
1. (Zoöl.)
Definition: Any one of several species of carnivorous animals inhabiting Africa and Asia, related to the dog and wolf. They are cowardly, nocturnal, and gregarious. They feed largely on carrion, and are noted for their piercing and dismal howling.
Note: The common species of Southern Asia (Canis aureus) is yellowish gray, varied with brown on the shoulders, haunches, and legs. The common African species (C. anthus) is darker in color.
2. One who does mean work for another's advantage, as jackals were once thought to kill game which lions appropriated. [Colloq.] Ld. Lytton.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
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