jackal
[jak-uh l, -awl]
- 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.
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Origin of jackal
1595–1605; < alteration, by association with Jack, of Persian shag(h)āl; cognate with Sanskrit śṛgāla
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
medium, accessory, go-between, stooge, pawn, minion, agent, dupe, puppet, accomplice, idiot, patsy, mark, messenger, intermediary, creature, sucker, hireling, figurehead, chumpExamples from the Web for jackal
Contemporary Examples
He was accused of being a 'jackal' and of drunkenly killing innocents by an Afghan warlord this week.
Historical Examples
That jackal has enchanted him, so that he must deem well done all that is done by him.
The Sea-HawkRaphael Sabatini
Do not do that,” exclaimed the Jackal, “for I shall get wet and be drowned.
The Jackal does not like to get even the tip of his tail wet.
But the Jackal hid in the high cane, and the farmer could not find him.
I could take you to the place,” said the Jackal, “but it is across the river, and I cannot swim.
jackal
- 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
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Word Origin
C17: from Turkish chakāl, from Persian shagāl, from Sanskrit srgāla
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for jackal
n.
c.1600, from Turkish çakal, from Persian shaghal, from or cognate with Sanskrit srgala-s, literally "the howler." Figurative sense of "skulking henchman" is from the old belief that jackals stirred up game for lions.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper