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

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.

Read more on BBC

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.

Read more on BBC

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.

Read more on Salon

Kremlev said those boycotting the championships were "worse than hyenas and jackals" because of their violation of the "integrity of sport and culture".

Read more on BBC

Though the creature is sometimes referred to as the Falklands fox, the warrah did not physically resemble a fox or wolf, but rather a coyote or jackal.

Read more on Salon