leopard
[lep-erd]
- a large, spotted Asian or African carnivore, Panthera pardus, of the cat family, usually tawny with black markings; the Old World panther: all leopard populations are threatened or endangered.
- the fur or pelt of this animal.
- any of various related cats resembling this animal.
- Heraldry. a lion represented from the side as walking, usually with one forepaw raised, and looking toward the spectator.
- Numismatics.
- an Anglo-Gallic gold coin issued by Edward III, equal to half a florin, bearing the figure of a leopard.
- a silver Anglo-Gallic coin issued by Henry V.
- (initial capital letter) Military. a 42-ton (38-metric ton) West German tank with a 105mm gun.
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Origin of leopard
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for leopard
Contemporary Examples
Their captors wore palm leaves, leopard skins, and magical relics to make themselves immune to bullets.
A leopard seal is “about a thousand-pound animal with lots of teeth,” Perryman explains.
She sports a Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane leopard button-down, a black blazer, and red leather pants.
The Leopard By Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa The Leopard was the life work of a Sicilian aristocrat, Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa.
Their collection features sparkling hotpants, midriff-baring tops, leopard prints, and combat boots.
Historical Examples
In stature he was about five feet eleven inches, and was apparently as agile as a leopard.
RidgewayScian Dubh
Reluctantly, apathetically, the Leopard Woman's men got to their feet.
The Leopard WomanStewart Edward White
He assisted the Leopard Woman to this improvised couch and laid her upon it.
The Leopard WomanStewart Edward White
The Leopard Woman, who had walked indomitably, now collapsed.
The Leopard WomanStewart Edward White
He stood supporting the half-fainting form of the Leopard Woman.
The Leopard WomanStewart Edward White
leopard
- Also called: panther a large feline mammal, Panthera pardus, of forests of Africa and Asia, usually having a tawny yellow coat with black rosette-like spots
- any of several similar felines, such as the snow leopard and cheetah
- clouded leopard a feline, Neofelis nebulosa, of SE Asia and Indonesia with a yellowish-brown coat marked with darker spots and blotches
- heraldry a stylized leopard, painted as a lion with the face turned towards the front
- the pelt of a leopard
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Word Origin
C13: from Old French lepart, from Late Latin leōpardus, from Late Greek leópardos, from leōn lion + pardos pard ² (the leopard was thought at one time to be the result of cross-breeding)
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 leopard
n.
late 13c., from Old French lebard, leupart (12c., Modern French léopard), from Late Latin leopardus, literally "lion-pard," from Greek leopardos, from leon "lion" + pardos "male panther," which generally is said to be connected to Sanskrit prdakuh "panther, tiger." The animal was thought in ancient times to be a hybrid of these two species.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper