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

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.

From Salon

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

From 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.

From Salon

“It’s all blood money, and unfortunately I had to join the jackals,” Simpson told The Associated Press at the time.

From Seattle Times

"I love a jackal myself and anything above three is a good turnover jackaling game," she said.

From BBC