jackal

[jak-uhl, -awl]

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.

jackal

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of jackal¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of jackal¹

C17: from Turkish chakāl , from Persian shagāl , from Sanskrit srgāla

Example Sentences

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

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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.

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Two rucks later he is in trying to jackal for the ball as a full-back because he is annoyed he hasn't caught that kick.

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England's back row of Ben Earl, Tom Curry and Ben Curry posed a significant jackal threat, spreading across the width of the pitch, meaning one was always on hand to disrupt the breakdown.

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Dead animals littered the side of the road; deer, raccoons, something that looked like a purple jackal, a Chupacabra or two, what looked like a werewolf, and at least one low-flying turkey vulture.

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