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

They exploit a scavenging lifestyle instead, the great jackals of the sea.

From Nautilus

Sirius also helps you locate two constellations, Canis major and Canis minor, which first emerge during the “dog days” of summer and inspired numerous traditional tales about celestial wolves, foxes, dogs, and jackals.

From Outside Online

He was accused of being a 'jackal' and of drunkenly killing innocents by an Afghan warlord this week.

From The Daily Beast

Their deeper recesses were given up to owls and bats, and nearer the entrance the prowling fox or jackal found a covert.

From Project Gutenberg

Had he not heard the cry of the "jackal in the desert," so much in keeping with the burning temperature out of doors?

From Project Gutenberg

The Snake submitted to the test, and when she was covered by the stone the Jackal advised the Man to go away and leave her.

From Project Gutenberg

But the Man proposed to consult other wise people before being bit, and after a while they met the Jackal.

From Project Gutenberg

In another Kaffir story, the Jackal runs into a hole under a tree, but the Lion catches him by the tail.

From Project Gutenberg