jackal

American  

[jak-uhl, -awl] / ˈdʒæk əl, -ɔl /

noun

1. any of several nocturnal wild dogs of the genus Canis, especially C. aureus, of Asia and Africa, that scavenge or hunt in packs.

2. a person who performs dishonest or base deeds as the follower or accomplice of another.

3. a person who performs menial or degrading tasks for another.

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jackal British  

/ ˈdʒækɔːl /

noun

1. 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

2. a person who does menial tasks for another

3. a villain, esp a swindler

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Etymology

Origin of jackal

1595–1605; < alteration, by association with Jack, of Persian shag ( h ) āl; cognate with Sanskrit śṛgāla

Compare meaning

How does jackal compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• jackal vs. hyena

Example Sentences

Maned wolves are South America's largest canids, a group of mammals which include dogs, foxes and jackals.

From BBC

"He wanted, needed, deserved..a third act. It was ..in the planning. And then, those jackals."

From BBC

The animals, also known as the plains wolf and listed as vulnerable, are smaller than the stronger Himalayan wolf and can be mistaken for other species such as jackals.

From Barron's

I suppose she is referring to an alley cat or perhaps a jackal.

From The Wall Street Journal

The kibbutz had a local pub, but there was little else to do at night other than stargaze and listen to jackals howling in the desert.

From The Wall Street Journal